CLEVELAND, OH – We’re getting closer and closer to the fantasy playoffs. If your team has to make a push, it needs to start this week. The Packers, Seahawks, Titans and Giants are on a bye in Week 11.
Here are the players you should start this week:
Start 'Em
Derek Carr – Carr has a dream matchup against the Bengals this week. Cincinnati has given up at least 20 fantasy points to every quarterback they’ve faced this season. Carr has a high floor against the Bengals. He’s worth streaming in all formats, especially with studs like Russell Wilson on a bye week.
Jamison Crowder – Crowder has 13 receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns in his last two games. He’s become Sam Darnold’s favorite target and is a high-end WR3 this week. He’s also going up against his former team – the Redskins. Crowder gets a boost in PPR leagues, but has value in any format in a possible revenge game.
Devin Singletary – Singletary didn’t have a huge game last week against Cleveland, but the rookie runner has a chance to redeem himself in Week 11. Miami has been gashed on the ground, allowing the 5th most fantasy points to running backs. Singletary is averaging 6.4 yards-per-carry and 7.4 yards-per-reception. As long as he gets the 15-20 touches that Bills fans are hoping for, he should be a high-end RB2 this week.
Brian Hill – Hill could start against the Panthers. He has top 20 potential this week with Devonta Freeman injured. Carolina has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to running backs this season. They’ve allowed 13 touchdowns to backs. Hill is a plug-and-play starter if you added him on waivers this week.
Joe Mixon – Mixon has been a disappointment, but he finished with 151 yards from scrimmage last week against the Ravens. The Bengals know they have to get their stud running back going and the Raiders defense is far from scary. Oakland has allowed a touchdown to a running back in five straight games. Mixon is a RB2 that should get plenty of touches in Week 11.
Jared Cook – Cook finished with six receptions for 74 yards last week against Atlanta. He looked healthy and ready to make an impact on an offense desperately needing someone outside of Michael Thomas to emerge in the passing game. Tampa Bay is No. 2 in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. Cook is a TE1 with plenty of upside.
Mohamed Sanu – Sanu was targeted 14 times in his last outing, making 10 grabs for 81 yards and a touchdown. Tom Brady will rely on his new weapon early and often down the stretch this season. The Eagles have been gashed by wide receivers this season. Their secondary has had its’ issues all season long. Sanu is a WR2 and is worth a look in all formats this week.
Sit 'Em
Kyler Murray – Murray played well from a fantasy standpoint against the 49ers in Week 9, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be able to do it in a second straight game. The 49ers are giving up 9.2 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. Murray is always capable of big numbers, but leave him on your bench if you have another quality option and avoid him in daily leagues.
David Johnson – Johnson is less than 100 percent, has a tough matchup against San Francisco and is battling Kenyan Drake for touches. It’s hard to envision a scenario where Johnson has a breakout performance. Keep him on your bench this week.
Sony Michel – The Eagles defense is good at one thing: stopping the run. Michel isn’t a great pass-catcher, which means James White and Rex Burkhead will likely get more snaps this week. Avoid Michel, who is a risky flex play in Week 11.
Stefon Diggs – The Vikings offense continues to struggle to get the ball to one of its’ best playmakers consistently. Diggs has come back to earth after having a 3-week explosion earlier in the year. The Denver defense has kept opposing wide receivers in check all season long, which makes Diggs a WR3 this week.
David Montgomery – Montgomery is hard to trust on a weekly basis. He's been inconsistent all season long and has a tough matchup against the Rams this week. Los Angeles is allowing 3.4 yards per touch to running backs over the past four games, which is the second best in the NFL. Montgomery is a low-end RB2 with plenty of bust potential.
Sleepers
Tyrell Williams – Williams only has six receptions total in his last two games. He’s in a good spot to change that this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed a receiver to score in three straight games and allowed four touchdowns over that span. Williams is a WR3 with plenty of upside.
Deebo Samuel – Samuel finished with eight receptions for 112 yards against the Seahawks. The rookie wide receiver has a good chance of duplicating those numbers this week against Arizona. Emmanuel Sanders could be out due to injury and the Cardinals have allowed the 10th most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Samuel is a WR3 in Week 11.
O.J. Howard – Howard had his best game of the season last week against the Cardinals. He scored his first touchdown of the year and looked 100 percent healthy. He has a tougher matchup this week against the Saints, but Howard is worth a look if you need help at the tight end position.
Nick Boyle – Boyle has nine receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown in his last two games. The Texans have been solid against tight ends this season, but the Ravens are a tough matchup for any defense. If you’re desperate in a deep league, Doyle is worth plugging in this week.
Michael Gallup – Gallup has 16 targets over the past two weeks and has scored a touchdown in back-to-back games. He has big play ability and should get a chance to make an impact against a Lions’ defense that has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.