When it comes to competition, one of the best ways to get an edge on the opposition is through prior preparation. In fantasy football, that way of thinking certainly applies. Here at Bet For The Win, we’re doing the preparation for you.
Four NFL teams have byes in Week 11, which means there will be some usual fantasy football stalwarts off the board. But there are plenty of players left that are capable of winning managers a week — we call them studs.
But just as there are studs to recognize, it’s important to avoid those who are setting up to be duds this week. We break down who to trust and who not to ahead of Week 11.
Enjoy!
Studs
QB Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
If you’ve had Lamar Jackson on your fantasy roster throughout the season, you know mediocre his performances have been since his dazzling first three games of the season. Coming off of the bye, he faces a Carolina Panthers defense with which he shouldn’t have any problems.
RB Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts
So, I think Taylor’s 147 rushing yards and one TD against the Raiders would signal that he’s healthy and back to being a reliable RB1 in fantasy. Also, the Eagles can’t really stop the run. Should be a big week for Taylor.
WR Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings
How could he not be a stud every single time he takes the field?
TE Tyler Higbee – Los Angeles Rams
With Cooper Kupp headed to the IR, Matt Stafford (or whoever is healthy enough o play quarterback for the Rams) has to throw the football to someone, right?
Duds
QB Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals
A bad hamstring kept Kyler out of Week 10, but even before then, he’d been having an unspectacular fantasy football season. If he can go against the Niners, I don’t have confidence that Murray’s hammy will be healed well enough for us to get the best version of him.
RB Najee Harris – Pittsburgh Steelers
He’s got two touchdowns all season long and has only twice rushed for more than 60 yards. He’ll face a rested Bengals defense that might have its best run-stopper DJ Reader back in the middle of the line.
WR Amari Cooper – Cleveland Browns
Go look at Cooper’s stats this season in away games compared to home games. The difference is pretty jarring and, honestly, unexplainable. Given the opponent (Buffalo), potentially bad weather and the fact that this is a road game, I don’t expect Cooper to play well.
T.J. Hockenson – Minnesota Vikings
Hockenson’s transition from Detroit to Minnesota has gone well. But he’s going to face a Cowboys defense that is usually very stingy against tight ends.
Sleepers
QB Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
If Justin Herbert hasn’t produced like the upper-tier quarterback we’d assumed him to be, it’s because he’s had no one to throw to, given the many injuries to the wide receiver room. Apparently, Mike Williams is trying to make his way back for Sunday’s game, and Keenan Allen will practice this week. Having either WR back would make Herbert a sneaky-good QB1.
RB Dameon Pierce – Houston Texans
Volume. VOLUME. VOLUME!
WR Terry McLaurin – Washington Commanders
It’s wild how much better McLaurin has looked over the past month with a simple quarterback change (via injury). Taylor Heinicke clearly has a preference of who he wants to throw the ball to, and so long as he remains QB1, McLaurin will likely produce.
TE Cole Kmet – Chicago Bears
I can’t predict Kmet to be a stud since he’s only caught more than four passes in a game once all season. But after last week’s two-touchdown performance, he’s got 5 total over the past three games.
