Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 11
Week 11 brings a new level of excitement. Fantasy playoffs are steadily approaching. In most leagues, the trade deadline has come and gone, which means managers will have to rely solely on the waiver wire to fill the holes on their roster. Keep an eye out for these players as suitable fantasy candidates this week, and possibly the rest of the season.
Running Backs
Latavius Murray (New Orleans Saints) – Latavius Murray hasn’t been relied upon too heavily in the ground game up to this point this season. However, the fact that he sees around 10 touches a game in a good offense is worth consideration in fantasy. Murray ranks 11th in Fantasy Points Per Target, showcasing his effectiveness when involved in the offense. Murray needs a heavy workload and to find the end zone to be fantasy relevant, but with Winston under center, perhaps the Saints stick to the run game more, allowing for Murray to handle more between the tackles and goal line touches while Alvin Kamara continues to spread out the offense through his dynamic pass-catching and YAC ability. If your roster is thin at running backs and the waiver wire is not offering much, Murray is a decent option for a contest that has the makings of a high-scoring affair.
Salvon Ahmed (Miami Dolphins) – An undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Washington, Salvon Ahmed has emerged as a legitimate option in the backfield for the Dolphins. After a slew of injuries to Myles Gaskins and Matt Breida, Ahmed was thrust into the starting lineup and handled the role accordingly. Ahmed saw 22 touches for 90 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to take on a workhorse role if called upon. Following the recent release of Jordan Howard, it is clear the Dolphins are confident with Ahmed as part of their plans moving forward. Breida is set to return this week which could cut into Ahmed’s production a bit, but Ahmed is a priority waiver wire add for Week 11.
Devontae Booker (Las Vegas Raiders) – Devontae Book posted his best performance of the season last week, topping 20 fantasy points off 16 carries, amounting to 81 yards and two scores. Booker is coming off back-to-back weeks of double-digit fantasy points, a trend that will continue if the Raiders lean heavily on their run game as a means to win once again. The last time the Raiders faced the Chiefs, Booker compiled eight touches for 67 yards. If he were able to put up similar production in Week 11 while finding the end zone for the fourth time in three weeks, Booker could be a dart-throw flex option this week. Booker is ascending as one of the league’s most valuable handcuffs and should be rostered by those with Josh Jacobs on their squads.
Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts) – After returning from injury, Pittman Jr. has established himself as the most reliable wide receiver in the Colts passing game. Pittman had the best game of his short career last week, hauling in seven of eight targets for 101 yards. He’s coming off consecutive weeks posting 14 or more Yards Per Reception, while compiling the sixth-highest True Catch Rate, highlighting his ability to use his big body down the field to make big plays. Although faced with a tough assignment this week, Pittman should be peppered with targets once again. Pittman needs to be rostered in more leagues heading into Week 11 as he continues to cement himself in his offense.
Jakeem Grant (Miami Dolphins) – Following the injury to Preston Williams, Jakeem Grant stepped into a bigger role for the Dolphins and was able to capitalize on his opportunity. He recorded four receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown on his way to a solid fantasy performance. In his limited opportunities this season, Grant has been impressive, ranking fifth among wide receivers in True Catch Rate. It appears Grant and rookie first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa have established strong chemistry that will grow as both players continue to mesh within the offense. Due to the inconsistent pass catchers in Miami, aside from DeVante Parker, Grant could see his number called early and often in Week 11.
Willie Snead IV (Baltimore Ravens) – Willie Snead has been impressive over the last several weeks, including a 100-yard performance against Pittsburgh and catching two touchdowns last week. Snead is being targeted at a higher rate than he was in the first half of the season, a theme that should continue as Lamar Jackson and the Ravens try to reestablish the passing attack. Snead has emerged as the prominent pass catcher in Baltimore, indicating through his efficient play. Heading into Week 11, Snead ranks first in Target Separation, seventh in Yards Per Target, and has the eighth highest Fantasy Points Per Target, highlighting his reliability as a primary target in his offense. Snead has a decent matchup against a Titans defense that can be tough at times but also vulnerable to allowing fantasy points to wide receivers. If your team is hampered by byes or injuries, and the waiver is picked clean, Snead is a decent play especially in leagues with multiple flex options.
Tight End/QB
Taysom Hill (New Orleans Saints) – For those looking for a risky yet high-upside tight end option for Week 11, Taysom Hill is the guy. There is no denying the fact that because Drew Brees is out, Hill could see additional snaps behind center, although Winston is most likely to be named the starter. That notion alone is worthy enough to consider rostering Hill. He could see snaps as a quarterback, running back, and tight end, a unique opportunity to score in three different variations of the offense. In leagues that have Hill designated as both a tight end and quarterback, taking advantage of this loophole could be advantageous.
