Start/Sit Week 11

By Joe Goodwin

Teams on Bye: Jacksonville, Miami, Seattle, Tampa Bay

Chicao Bears at Atlanta Falcons (1:00pm)

Start: Justin Fields, Cole Kmet, David Montgomery, Drake London, Cordarelle Patterson

Sit: Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Marcus Mariota, Tyler Allgeier, Kyle Pitts

As of now, Justin Fields has turned into Mike Vick/Lamar Jackson and fantasy owners are loving it!  The Bears made a wise decision on allowing Fields to do what he does best: REACT.  The downside to this new offensive philosophy is the pass catchers have not really benefited from this change in concept.  Cole Kmet continues to see red zone opportunities, so he is still worth a start; especially at a position that has few locks.  With Khalil Herbert on IR, David Montogmery should see a ton of work and I”m all in on Montgomery this week.  The Falcons offense has scored 15 and 17 points in the last two weeks.  This offense has been unreliable for fantasy.  Since Drake London seems to be the desired target in the end zone, I would continue to roll with him.  I do see Cordarelle Patterson getting more volume; especially in the pass game/trick play category. I would understand if you wanted to avoid the Falcons offense all together.  They have just not provided any comfort to fantasy managers this year.

Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens (1:00pm)

Start: D’Onta Foreman, DJ Moore, Lamar Jackson, Kenyan Drake, Marc Andrews

Sit: Baker Mayfield, Laviska Shenault, Terrace Marshall, Chubba Hubbard, Isiah Likely, James Proche, Devin Duvernay

With 4 field goals last week, it appears the Panther’s best offensive weapon may just be their kicker.  Jokes aside, if D’Onta Foreman gets consistent volume like he did last week, he is a must start.  However, there is just not any clarity to the passing game and that’s a shame since the Raven’s defense against quarterbacks and receivers can be exploited.  Did I also mention that Baker Mayfield is back under center?  I will ride with DJ Moore since he is the most dynamic and hope he gets enough targets to make that true.  For the Ravens, the run game is the key.  Kenyan Drake appears to be their best option, so he is a start.  Lamar Jackson will do a lot of damage on the ground, but the passing game has just not been effective.  Although I can see a porous Panthers defense allowing the Ravens to move the ball, I am just not confident on who sees the targets.  For that reason, we need to stay away from everyone except Marc Andrews.  Since Andrews is the top playmaker, he should receive a majority of Lamar’s attention on passing routes.

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills (1:00pm)

Start: Nick Chubb, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Josh Allen

Sit: Amari Cooper, Kareem Hunt, Jacoby Brissett/Deshaun Watson, David Njoku, Dawson Knox, Devin Singletary, Isaiah McKenzie

The Browns may get Watson back this week, but I believe waiting a week on seeing exactly how the Browns offense will look with Deshaun under center is wise.  Nick Chubb has established himself as an elite running back and should always be started.  Kareem Hunt has assumed a secondary role and currently does not warrant a start with his limited touches.  DPJ has been the Browns most reliable pass catcher and should grab a few against a mediocre pass defense.  Even though Josh Allen has been injured, he is still a start as are his favorite targets of Diggs and Davis.  Stefon shined last week.  You also can’t forget, this is essentially a road game for both teams.  I’m not sure how that will impact either team, but needless to say, the Bills definitely DO NOT have the home field advantage they have in Orchard Parks, NY. 

Washington Commanders at Houston Texans (1:00pm)

Start: Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson, Terry McLaurin, Dameon Pierce, Nico Collins

Sit: Taylor Heineicke, Jahan Dotson, Davis Mills, Brandin Cooks.

Although the Commanders had a solid win against the Eagles last week, other than parts of the running game, the offense was not a fantasy juggernaut other than Terry McLaurin.  Brian Robison and Antonio Gibson were used as battering rams against the middle of the Eagles defense.  It worked so well, I see the Commanders using it again.  The news surrounding Brandin Cooks makes me want to stay away.  He’s obviously not happy about his team and situation; those players tend to not do well.  I will continue to ride the Dameon Pierce this week.  He is getting enough volume in the run game and continues to nibble with receptions.  If the Texans decide to unleash Pierce, his ceiling is EXTREMELY HIGH.  I think Davis Mills will be up and down with the Commanders’ front four making things difficult.  Nico Collins continues to be the bright spot for the passing game; continue to ride that wave!

Philadelphia Eagles at Indianapolis Colts (1:00pm)

Start: Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman

Sit: Miles Sanders, All Eagle TE’s, Alec Pierce, Matt Ryan, Parris Campbell

Last week, the Commanders rolled out a defensive game plan that will be emulated by other teams in hopes of slowing down this Eagles offense.  All things considered, the Eagles gave up 3 turnovers and still had chances to win.  With Dallas Goedert missing time to injury, a barrage of Jack Stoll and Grant Calceterra talk with bounce around as “sleepers.”  Avoid it!  Wait it out to see if one of them established a reliable role within the offense.  With that, ride AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith as the two most targeted pass catchers.  I don’t see Miles Sanders exploding this week.  His usage has been very inconsistent and other coin flips may be a better bet. The Colts will try their best to copy the Commanders running game focus and use JT early and often.  I don’t see Matt Ryan having a huge day in the air; which also means the pass catchers suffer.  Michael Pittman is the most talented and worth the start.

New York Jets at New England Patriots (1:00pm)

Start: Garrett Wilson, Michael Carter, James Robinson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Jakobi Myers

Sit: Zach Wilson, Mac Jones, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne

The Jets are struggling to establish a passing game with Zach Wilson.  With that, Garrett Wilson seems to be the only reliable target.  The running game will be the focus this week.  With that, I would roll out Michael Carter and James Robinson.  If the Jets want to grab the “2nd Best in the Division” title, they need to knock off the Patriots.  The Patriots offense has been effective, to a point, but lacks splash plays.  It's hard to pinpoint any specific passing weapon as a sleeper.  Rhamondre Stevenson has elevated to a top tier running back and should be used in all formats.

Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints (1:00pm)

Start: Ben Skworonek, Allen Robinson, Tyler Higbee, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave

Sit: John Wolford, Cam Akers/Darrell Henderson/Kyren Williams, Van Jefferson, Andy Dalton

This is a game pitting two teams that are going in the same direction, and that’s not a good thing.  Both offenses have struggled this year.  The Rams are having a hard time to establish the run.  With Cooper Kupp out, that might be safe.  Sean McVay is NOT SAFE.  Ben Skworonek has been a favorite add this week off of waiver wires and received work last week after Kupp left the game.  Tyler Higbee also continues to get volume and is worth a start at tight end.  With all three running backs sharing reps, its impossible to predict which one will splash this weekend.  Avoid them and target other areas.  Alvin Kamara has looked less effective this year and it begs me to wonder if he will ever return to previous form.  I love the trajectory Chris Olave has taken this year and continue to watch his ascension to top tier receiver.

Detriot Lions at New York Giants (1:00pm)

Start: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamal Williams, Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkely, Darius Slayton

Sit: Jared Goff, DeAndre Swift, WanDale Robinson, Kenny Golladay

Going into this year, DeAndre Swift was a huge upside, late first round draft pick or a dynasty stash that was finally ready to pay off.  Instead, many managers have had to fight the urge to not drop him. He talent has been there, but his durability has not.  He has relinquished the role of top back to Jamal Williams.  The passing game relies on St. Brown to be dynamic and he will continue that trend this week.  The Giants will use thunder and lighting in their run game this week with Barkley and Jones.  Daniel Jones is a threat to run and can break things open with his legs.  I don’t normally like to predict splash plays (since they are very hard to predict), but I will go out on a limb and call one for Darius Slayton this week.  The Lions defense tends to be susceptible to big plays and that’s what Slayton specializes in.

Raiders at Broncos (4:05pm)

Start: Josh Jacobs, Foster Moreau, Courtland Sutton, Latavius Murray/Melvin Gordon

Sit: Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Mack Hollins, Russell Wilson, 

This is a clash of two offenses that have not looked as predicted at the start of the season.  Both quarterbacks have struggled to find consistency.  I believe both Derek Carr and Russell Wilson are sitting this week.  Instead, lean on the run games with Josh Jacobs and Latavius Murray/Melvin Gordon leading the way.  With Jeudy out again, Courtland Sutton has a chance to have a big game.  Davante Adams injury status makes me want to sit him.  Obviously, if he plays he is a tough sit…monitor carefully.

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (4:25pm)

Start: CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, Dalton Schultz, Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook

Sit: Ezekiel Elliot, Tony Pollard, Michael Gallup, Adam Theilen

The Cowboys offense gets back to full health with Zeke returning this week. I actually think this hurts both Zeke and Pollard.  For this week, wait to see how the reps pan out.  Pollard is obviously trending up, but the Cowboys seem fixed on riding with Elliot.  Dak to CeeDee will be stated often and start both if you can.  For the Vikings, I will eat the proverbial “pie” on last week’s call to sit JJ.  If you only watched the last quarter, you must have thought I was crazy to even suggest sitting him.  However, for those that watched all of it, you will notice my game script call was correct.  It was only in the 4th quarter, that Kirk Cousins only looked at JJ and seemed to throw it with abandon and Justin Jefferson delivered!  Ride the Cousins and JJ mixtape tour and reap the benefits.  Dalvin Cook seems to be a freight train that is hard to stop and he will continue running through an aggressive outside blitz scheme of the Cowboys.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (4:25pm)

Start: Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Joe Burrow, Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Diontae Johnson

Sit: Hayden Hurst, Kenny Pickett, Pat Friermuth

I feel like this should be a low scoring game based on “old-school” results…but it could be a “new-school” shoot out is going to go down.  I am neutral on Joe Mixon this week.  If he gets volume and a little blocking, he could be huge.  However, i’m just not sold on the play calling.  Instead, Joe Burrow will continue to use Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd to soften the defense.  For the Steelers, the running game looks better with Harris and Warren both in there.  Plus, Warren as a pass catcher makes defenses play neutral.

Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (8:20pm)

Start: Patrick Mahomes, Kadarius Toney, Isaiah Pacheco, Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, Gerald Everett

Sit: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, JuJu Smith-Schuster,  Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Isaiah Spiller, Josh Palmer

It doesn’t seem to matter what players are out there with Mahomes, he starts.  The alphabet soup of “sits” speaks volumes to how much this team will be feared if they start to get healthy.  Kadarius Toney should be a fun start.  National TV and Reid loves to make things tricky for opposing defenses.  Pacheco seems to have taken over the reps in the backfield, and I love the matchup this week against the Chargers.  The Chargers are getting healthy with possibly both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen coming back from injury.  With so many players to throw to, I think Justin Herbert spreads the ball around to a lot of receivers.  I know I’ve seen a bunch of Spiller love lately.  I am not drinking that Kool-Aid yet.  Stick with Ekeler and Everett as the offense's two most reliable players this year.

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (Monday Night Football)

Start: Brandon Aiyuk, Christian McAffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Deandre Hopkins

Sit: Jimmy Garoppolo, Elijah MItchell, Colt McCoy, Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, Trey McBride

The 49ers have a ton of weapons are still trying to figure it how to best use them.  CMC and Elijah Mitchell (and sometimes Deebo) are still sharing the backfield.  CMC is the more dynamic player and I suggest riding with him.  Mitchell will be touchdown dependent for a while.  I love this matchup for Aiyuk.  I think he could have a very nice game with the volume he is getting lately.  Where has George Kittle gone?  He is just not seeing volume, but this is a matchup where he should feast on a poor Cardinals defense against tight ends.  With Kyler Murray still not certain to start, McCoy takes the lead again.  Last week, he targeted Moore and Hopkins 27 times, while the rest of the offense saw 8 targets.  And, we see Marquise Brown return this week.  While the passing targets will need to get sorted out, I trust Nuke the most.  Let’s wait to see how the distribution goes between the receivers.  With Zach Ertz out, Trey McBride is in line for more snaps.  I’m just not sure that means more targets.  Again, hold on this passing attack until we see how Kliff Kingsbury employs them.