Week 11 Fantasy Football Start’ems & Sit’ems

Week 11 Fantasy Football Start’ems & Sit’ems

Locked IN Sports’ writer, Joshua Miozza

As Locked IN fantasy football league leader and a guy who lives and breathes fantasy football, I am here to help my fellow Fantasy Football users finish the season off strong by advising them who to start and sit each week. Doing all the homework for our Locked IN viewers, including gathering stats based on ESPN Standard and PPR Scoring, here is this week's Start’ems and Sit’ems:

Quarterbacks (QBs)

Start’ems:

Justin Herbert (LAC)

If you have not already, then this is the week to start Chargers Justin Herbert as your fantasy QB. He has six consecutive 20+ point games, even when facing highly ranked defenses like the Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Saints. So, with the ideal matchup of hosting the winless New York Jets at home, expect Herbert to finish as a top five fantasy QB this week.

With the team’s RB Austin Eekler out, and even with RB Kalen Ballage finding new life lately, don’t expect the Chargers to rely heavily on the run game until between the end of the 3rd and start of the 4th quarter. Expect Herbert to light the Jets up early and often, as they rank the 4th worst fantasy defense when it comes to opposing QBs.

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)

The Steelers QB, Big Ben, is no doubt a starter this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are the 3rd worst fantasy defense against opposing QBs. On top of that, the Jaguars are starting backup QB Jake Luton, which is beneficial to Roethlisberger because Pittsburgh’s great defense should give Roethlisberger the ball back quickly and often, with good field position to work with due to three-and-outs or turnovers.

He is also coming off back-to-back 25+ fantasy points performances, throwing over 300 yards in each game and seven touchdowns between the two games. Being incredible efficient so far, Big Ben only has four interceptions on the year, and three of those came in a game vs Tennessee Titans defense. Lastly, look for the Steelers to continue to rely on Roethlisberger and all their WR weapons, while they try their best to keep RB James Connor healthy and not overuse him with his injury history.

Cam Newton (NE)

If there was ever a week to feel completely comfortable in starting Patriots QB, Cam Newton, this would be the week. The Texans have the worst rush defense in the NFL, allowing opponents to average 167.4 rushing yards a game. This sets up a QB who can run, like Newton, for a great game script, with even a heavier imprint on it than usual.

Whether New England is behind or ahead, expect them to run the ball substantially more than passing, and Newton will have his fair share of opportunities within those. Expect Newton, who is 4th in rushing touchdowns in the NFL (9), to easily have at least one rushing touchdown in this game, already marking up 6+ fantasy points for his fantasy football teams. On top of all that, Newton offers a high floor with only having one game under ten fantasy points (although it was -18).

Sit’Ems:

Jared Goff (LAR)

This week is not the week to start Rams QB, Jared Goff, as the Buccaneers hold opponents to a league-low 76.6 rushing yards a game. Which in return, will not help the play-action passing game, that the Rams favor, get going. Also, the speed of the Buccaneers’ defense will ultimately cause pressure for Goff and that offense, making it untrustworthy. If that is not enough to make users bench him this week, then maybe the fact that Buccaneers are holding opposing QBs to the 4th least fantasy points per game will.

Alex Smith (WAS)

While the comeback story is admirable and Washington is being competitive as of late, Locked IN still don’t trust him heading into this matchup hosting the Bengals. Let’s not forget, he failed to throw a single touchdown pass last week on 55 passing attempts, which resulted in only accumulating 16 fantasy points.

Washington's offense is also very limited, and if top WR, Terry McLaurin can’t get it going against DB William Jackson, then it will be a long day for Washingtons’ offense. It also doesn’t help that Smith’s second option, pass-catching RB J.D. Mckissic, doesn’t have a favorable matchup either, as the Bengals allow the third-fewest running back catches with 3.6 per game.

Tom Brady (TB)

If users have any other QBs on their roster that they feel comfortable with, then start them over Buccaneers QB Tom Brady. At this point, given the matchup and recent evidence, nothing but blind faith and hope would be the reason for starting Brady. At this age, Brady and his offense work at their best when they can get the run game going; but the Rams defense allows the 4th fewest fantasy points to RBs.

As a result, Brady will have to drop back constantly and beat them through the air, which also presents some more problems. The Rams allow the 3rd fewest fantasy points to QBs, and one of the best DBs statistically, Jalen Ramsey will be shadowing one of Brady’s best WRs; while Donald and that pass rush (which ranks 2nd in sacks per game) will apply the pressure.

Sleeper:

Matthew Stafford (DET)

Even with a torn ligament in his thumb, Lions QB Matthew Stafford will have a productive game this week against the Carolina Panthers. With no RB D’andre Swift, Stafford’s passing will be relied on more, especially if RBs Adrian Peterson or Kerryon Johnson can’t get it going. Against a middle-of-the-pack defense expect Stafford, who has had 20 or more points in two of his last three-game, to have yet another good game against the Carolina Panthers, who will most likely be without Teddy Bridgewater.

Running Backs (RBs)

Start’Ems:

Antonio Gibson (WAS)

Washington RB, Antonio Gibson is a great fantasy play at running back this week. Although the rise of J.D. McKissic has dramatically affected Gibson’s usage as a pass-catcher, Gibson still operates as the team’s main RB, taking almost all of the goal line carries for them (four touchdowns in the past three games). So, users can expect Gibson to have a highly effective rushing game versus the 5th worst rush defense in the Bengals, who allow an average of 133.1 rushing yards a game at 5.2 yards per carry.

Mike Davis (CAR)

With starting RB Christian McCaffrey out once again, it makes Panthers backup RB, Mike Davis return to a fantasy-relevant RB, especially in this week’s matchup. The Lions defense allows the most points to opposing fantasy RBs and the third-most rushing yards per game at 141.6. Granted, Davis has scored under ten fantasy points in four straight games, but the volume hasn’t quite been there either. Against a poor rush defense and with QB Teddy Bridgewater injured, the Panthers will rely on Mike Davis often and early as a security blanket throughout the game.

James Connor (PIT)

Steelers RB James Connor has had back-to-back disappointing weeks totaling 4.0 and 6.8 points, but this week Connor is in a position to bounce back. The Jaguars allow the 4th most fantasy points to opposing RBs in the league while allowing an average of 131.7 rushing yards a game, which is the 8th highest in the NFL.

Also, with Jake Luton starting at QB for Jacksonville, there could be many short field positions for the Steelers to work with due to turnover and three-and-outs.

Now with Connor’s injury history, the Steelers won’t rely too heavily on him early on. Although, with how often Pittsburgh can find themselves in the end zone, Connor has a great chance of gaining touchdown points, while also running the clock down towards the end of the game.

Sit’Ems:

Ronald Jones II (TB)

Buccaneers RB Ronald Jones II is coming off a monster week, scoring 24.8 fantasy points, but this week he will have a hard time following such high production. For starters, he has fumbled in two of his last three games in the first quarter, which reduces users' fantasy points. Also, if that happens again during this big prime time game, it’s hard to imagine Head Coach, Bruce Arians being patient with him again this week.

This Rams defense also allows the 4th fewest fantasy points against opposing running backs, allowing only 96.8 rushing yards a game. Lastly, the Rams are a good team who could keep it close with the Buccaneers, which means passing-down RB Leonard Fournette will get called on for more of the touches than Jones II.

Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR)

RBs by committee is popular in the NFL and LA, which is why Rams RB Darrell Henderson Jr. has had less than ten touches in the last two games and only one total touchdown in his last four. It doesn’t help that the Rams’ offense favors fellow RB, Malcolm Brown for their goal-line carries.

In addition to that, with the speed and skill of Tampa Bay’s front seven that includes one of the top leagues’ LB duos in Devin White and Lavonte David, it’s hard to see Henderson having much open space to operate with running or receiving. The Buccaneers defense allows a league-low 76.6 rushing yards a game, so Henderson Jr. doesn’t offer high value in touchdowns or volume in this game with the selected amount of usage.

Todd Gurley II (ATL)

Falcons RB Todd Gurley II has been surprisingly consistent this year for Atlanta, but this is the week where it is tough to bet on him. For starters, he’s going up against a defense in the Saints that allows the 2nd fewest fantasy points to RBs, while also holding opposing teams to 76.8 rushing yards per game.

Second, is the fact that Gurley is very touchdown-dependent, as he has a total of nine touchdowns but only one game with over 100 total yards (week five vs the Carolina Panthers). Even with Saints starting QB Drew Brees out, don’t expect Atlanta to blowout their division opponents, which means the game script could rely more on the passing attack than the run game. As a result, look for another below 100-yard game for Gurley.

Sleeper:

Damien Harris (NE)

Now, Patriots RB Damien Harris is certainly a name that was much more of a sleeper a few weeks ago, but he is here because this is the week you must start Harris for multiple reasons. First, Harris has been on fire as of late, having over 100 rushing yards in two of his past three games, and averaging five yards a carry in each of the last four games.

Second, Harris is going up against the worst ranked rush defense in the NFL. Houston gives up 167.4 rushing yards a game, while also allowing the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing RBs. Thirdly, the game script based on matchup and Patriots run-heavy offense will favor the usage of Harris even more. Lastly, Head Coach Bill Belichick, who loves to take away opponent’s best options, knows a heavy dose of the run game will keep Texans’ dynamic QB, Deshaun Watson on the sideline even longer.

Wide Receivers (WRs)

Start’Ems:

Marquise Brown (BAL)

Ravens WR Marquise Brown is a player who has frustrated fantasy owners consistently week after week with his inconsistent performances along with the Ravens' shaky passing game. However, this is the week we finally get that “Hollywood” Brown game users have been waiting for. Brown is playing at home against a secondary that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing WRs. Ravens are a run-heavy team, but if they fall behind the Titans early, it will lead to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson to drop back and pass more than usual.

Jarvis Landry (CLE)

Browns WR Jarvis Landry is another player whose production hasn’t necessarily matched the hype around his name. Although, a lot of that has to do with the inconsistency of Browns QB, Baker Mayfield, along with Landry’s injuries and Browns’ run-heavy offense.

On the bright side, this week's matchup is versus an Eagles secondary that has consistently gotten worst week by week. Through nine games Landry has yet to catch a touchdown, but against this secondary, he will have a good chance of breaking that streak. Even the run-heavy Browns’ offense has to be planning to take advantage of the Eagles' biggest holes on defense, and Landry is Mayfield’s number one target.

Mike Williams (LAC)

Chargers WR, Mike Williams is a great plugin starter this week against the Jets.

Williams is typically a very boom or bust player, but in a matchup against a secondary that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, look for him to boom! Also, with Jets CB Pierre Desir being cut and their best CB Brian Poole being out for the season due to an injury, the Jets secondary is even more vulnerable.

Sit’Ems:

Mike Evans (TB)

For fantasy football users that are deep at WR, this week Locked IN suggest doing the impossible and sitting Buccaneers WR, Mike Evans. Evans is a very touchdown-dependent WR this year, and this week’s matchup is against arguably the best CB this season in Jalen Ramsey. Plus, with the pass rush the Rams can generate on Brady and with Ramsey most likely shadowing Evans, expect Brady to favor the quick throws to slot WR Chris Godwin and maybe WR Antonio Brown.

Brandin Cooks (HOU)

Texans WR, Brandin Cooks should not be in any lineups this week with his matchup against the Patriots secondary. For starters, Cooks will most likely be covered by CB JC Jackson, who is leading the NFL in interceptions (6). Jackson did a very good job in eliminating Ravens WR Marquise Brown from their passing game last week, and users should expect no different with Cooks. Also, time of possession can play a factor in how many time Cooks sees the field. With the Patriots running the ball the majority of the time, it will keep Deshaun Watson and that offense on the sideline longer than desired.

DJ Moore (CAR)

Fantasy users should try their best to shy away from starting Panthers' WR, DJ Moore this week against the Lions. For starters, the starting QB for the Panthers will either be Teddy Bridgewater (injured), Will Grier, or P.J. Walker. Moore has also been inconsistent in production because of the way Panthers utilize him in their offense. He has sacrificed more of the shorter slot routes to WR Robbie Anderson, and Curtis Samuel’s usage has given the Panthers more efficient targets to throw to rather than Moore’s downfield routes.

Steven Sims Jr. (WAS)

If users are looking for a complete long shot WR to start this week, look no further than Washington’s WR Steven Sims Jr. For one, CB William Jackson has been the only bright spot for the Cincinnati Bengal’s secondary and he most likely would be against star WR Terry McLaurin. RB JD McKissic’s consistent production is also in question, with Cincinnati allowing the 3rd least amount of catches to RBs at 3.6 a game. So because of matchups, Sims Jr. might be relied on more than usual this game. Important to note that the opposite side of William Jackson has consistently gotten torched this season. Now coming off a five-catch game, Sims Jr. is primed to have one of, if not his best game of the season this afternoon.

Tight Ends (TEs)

Start’Ems:

TJ Hockenson (DET)

In a matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Lions TE TJ Hockenson is a must-start for Sunday. The Panthers' defense allows the 11th most fantasy points to opposing TEs. Also, with Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford playing with a torn ligament in his thumb, he may opt to throw more to his safety blanket in Hockenson than stretch the field. On top of that, Hockenson has been incredibly consistent outside of last week’s 3.3 performance; he’s posted at least 9.3 fantasy points during every other week.

Hayden Hurst (ATL)

The New Orleans Saints have allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing TEs, which makes Falcons TE Hayden Hurst a must start. If Falcons play close or from behind as expected, prepare for them to be pass-happy. Even without trailing, Atlanta tends to air the football out. This is why it’s expected for Hurst to rack up points this Sunday, especially after scoring ten or more fantasy points in four consecutive games.

Mike Gesicki (MIA)

Dolphins TE, Mike Gesicki is arguably the most frustrating fantasy tight end this season. He’s either been solid or has given users almost absolutely nothing. However, he is building some report with new starting-QB Tua Tagovailoa, registering nine targets over the past two weeks. He hasn’t scored ten or more fantasy points since week five, but against a Denver Broncos team that will most likely be without starting QB Drew Lock, the Dolphins offense should have the ball more leading to more targets.

Sit’Ems:

Noah Fant (DEN)

Another incredibly frustrating fantasy tight end this season, but unlike Gesicki, don’t expect this week to be any different. For one, Fant has battled a rib injury all week while also battling that nagging high ankle sprain that he has had all year. He will also most likely be without his starting QB in Drew Lock, and against a very hot Dolphins defense.

Rob Gronkowski (TB)

Buccaneers TE, Gronk is producing a lot lately, but this is the week to leave him on the bench. He plays the LA Rams, who have a ton of speed in their front 7 and LBs to keep up with Gronk. He has been extremely touchdown dependent as well, so in a game that doesn’t bode well for him in receptions, it will be lucky for users to see the double-digit in points for the TE. With that being said, look at other options before settling on Gronkowski.

Jonnu Smith (TEN)

Titans TE, Jonnu Smith has been on fire this season but has slow down lately, which why users should proceed with caution this week. He scored 9.5 points last week, but most of that came because of a one-yard touchdown run, as he only caught two passes for 14 yards. He hasn’t caught 50 or more yards since week three, making him the definition of someone who needs to score a touchdown to be fantasy relevant. Also, with fellow TE, Anthony Firsker seeing the field more, users shouldn’t feel comfortable starting Smith.

Sleeper:

Logan Thomas (WAS)

With the TE position being so fantasy bad this year, Washington’s TE, Logan Thomas is a solid fantasy TE this week. He’s playing a defense that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing TEs. Also, he’s accumulated ten or more points in three of the four past games. Lastly, with Terry McLaurin being matched up against William Jackson, Thomas may be in line for a few more targets.

Defenses

Start’Ems:

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have been one of the hottest defenses in the league. This week they get to play a Denver offense that quite frankly hasn’t been that good, coming off a 12-point performance against a struggling Las Vegas Raiders secondary. With starting QB, Drew Lock unlikely to play, expect Miami’s defense to hold them in check and continue to cause turnovers.

LA Chargers

It seems like the LA Chargers have been losing games in dramatic fashion for weeks now. This however is the week they can get back on the winning board as they face the winless Jets, and their defense will be a huge part of it. With Jets starting QB, Sam Darnold, set to miss another game, vet QB Joe Flacco will start for the Jets again. Expect Chargers DE, Joey Bosa and company to put their imprint on the game and make a difference vs an offense still trying to find their groove.

Green Bay Packers

It’s hard to trust shaky Colts QB Phillip Rivers against a top-ranked CB in Packers Jaire Alexander, and a respected secondary. With Colts RB Jonathan Taylor struggling as of late, Colts RBs-by-committee has been hard to trust, even against a struggling Packers run defense. As a result, the game will fall into QB Rivers' hands, which is prone to turnover.

Sit’Ems:

Baltimore Ravens

With DE, Calais Campbell doubtful, and CB Jimmy Smith questionable, this Ravens defense is undermanned this Sunday. After being ran all over by Cam Newton, Damien Harris, and Rex Burkhead, last year’s leading rusher, Titans RB Derek Henry, looks to have a favorable matchup this week. Titans QB Ryan Tannehill has also been very impressive this year, so with Jimmy Smith out, look for him to also spread the ball when needed.

Indianapolis Colts

We know the Colts have the number one fantasy defense this year, but do users really want to start the defense against on-a-mission QB, Aaron Rodgers? The Colts are great against the run, so don’t be surprised if Green Bay’s RBs are held in check. The numbers tell you not to be afraid to start them in this one, but Locked IN is telling users, don’t bet against that BAAAAAAD MANNN (as ESPN Sports Journalist, Stephen A. Smith would say).

Washington Football Team

With the way Bengals rookie QB, Joe Burrow and that offense is operating, the only upside Washington has on defense is sacking and maybe forcing fumbles through their front 7. When it comes to their secondary and especially their safeties, they are big-time question marks. This is where Bengals and Burrow will do damage, with upcoming WRs Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins take advantage of their matchups.

Sleeper:

Kansas City Chiefs

Expect Kansas City to get their revenge, especially their defense after giving up 40 points in their previous matchup. This game has built up emotions as referred to by Chiefs’ Head Coach, Andy Reid, commenting on the way the Raiders celebrated their victory over them a few weeks ago. It’s hard to envision the Raiders beating the raining champs twice, especially with the Chiefs coming off of a bye. Expect Kansas City rush defense to keep Raiders’ hot running game contained, and force Derek Carr to make one or two crucial mistakes.