NFL Power Rankings: Week 11
A lot happened with three contending teams and their MVP quarterbacks on Bye in Week 10. Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts rested and will face off on Monday Night Football in Arrowhead Stadium, as we’re treated to a Super Bowl rematch between two opponents who remain atop the NFL power rankings. Miami and Tua Tagovailoa were also on Bye, preparing for a home game against the 5-5 Raiders, while Matthew Stafford is rumored to be making a return to the Rams’ offense after their Week 10 Bye.
There were some monster performances in Week 10 in fantasy football, led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, who each scored 34-plus fantasy points in a 49-17 rout of the New York Giants. Dallas’ increasingly pass-centric play calling is beginning to pay dividends for fantasy managers rostering these two, along with Brandin Cooks and Jake Ferguson, who also enjoyed strong outings in their respective positions. Keenan Allen and Justin Herbert’s dominance this season has been a great investment for fantasy managers who drafted them this offseason, as Allen is averaging 18.7 fantasy points per game, making the veteran wideout the overall WR3 entering Week 11. De’Von Achane’s activation off of I.R. signals his return to Miami’s backfield, where the explosive rookie running back churned out 24.3 fantasy points per game in just four outings before suffering a knee injury. C.J. Stroud is QB4 in fantasy points per game this season, throwing for over 350 yards in back-to-back wins that have elevated the No. 2 overall draft pick into the NFL MVP odds race.
Of course, while there are tons of positives to take away from the season thus far from a fantasy football perspective, conversely, there are some major busts that we’ve already seen play out through ten weeks of action. This list of duds, or underperforming fantasy football players, includes names like Tony Pollard, currently RB26 in fantasy points per game (10.9), Calvin Ridley (WR45), Chris Godwin (WR40), and Gabe Davis (WR38). The tight end position has been tough to roster this season, but Travis Kelce remains atop the league averaging 14 fantasy points per game (TE1), followed closely by T.J. Hockenson (12.6 FPPG) and Mark Andrews (12.2 FPPG) to round out the top three at the position. Top-performing quarterbacks are led by Jalen Hurts (QB1/22.8 FPPG), Josh Allen (QB2/22.5 FPPG), Justin Herbert (QB3/20.5 FPPG), and Dak Prescott (QB4/19.8 FPPG), while Trevor Lawrence (QB23/13.7 FPPG), Geno Smith (QB24/13.5 FPPG), Derek Carr (QB25/12.3 FPPG), and Mac Jones (QB31/10.7 FPPG) are fringe QB3 prospects after garnering a lot of offseason hype.
NFL fantasy analyst Matt MacKay returns to provide his latest NFL Power Rankings ahead of Week 11, ranking each team first to worst, 1-32, assessing the current state of each franchise, while providing a quick overview of one fantasy-relevant player, good or bad, for each team in the league. Half-PPR scoring is the format used to analyze players in this article as we enter the final four-game stretch of the 2023 fantasy football regular season in Week 11.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia’s Bye Week couldn’t have come at a better time. Jalen Hurts is dealing with a knee contusion and his health is crucial moving into the latter half of the season for Philadelphia. The Eagles are the only team in the league with one loss and will need to prepare for a tough upcoming schedule against the Chiefs, Bills, 49ers, and Cowboys.
RB D’Andre Swift – The Eagles’ RB1 is RB15 in fantasy points per game (12.8) this season, falling victim to Jalen Hurts’ goal-line touches. Swift has dipped below 10 fantasy points in two of his past three games, but his volume remains elite, handling 15-18 carries and drawing a handful of targets during this stretch, so he remains a high-end RB2 with low-end RB1 upside in one of the league’s best offenses.
2. Detroit Lions 🚀
Detroit went into SoFi Stadium and out-dueled the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10, getting huge production from most of its skilled players, while quarterback Jared Goff remains one of the more underrated signal callers in the NFL. Now, the Lions, who sit at 7-2 atop the NFC North, get a favorable upcoming schedule against the Bears, Packers, and Saints.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs – We’ve only seen rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs fully unleashed since Week 8, which is a two-game sample size, but his speed, vision, and playmaking ability all look elite. Factor in playing behind one of the top offensive line units in the league and Gibbs remains a strong RB1, especially with his rest-of-season schedule.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes may remain the MVP betting favorite, but it’s the Chiefs defense that deserves most of the credit for a 7-2 record this season. Kansas City has scored 208 points on offense, ranked 15th in the league behind teams like the Commanders and Saints, but the defense is an elite unit, led by DC Steve Spagnuolo, allowing the offense to play more conservatively in close games.
QB Patrick Mahomes – Mahomes has been a willing ball carrier in 2023, handling 42 carries for 258 yards, raising his floor during down weeks. We’re still seeing some vintage Mahomes play in the pocket, as he shredded the Chargers for 424 yards and four touchdowns in Week 7, but he’s only logged 20-plus points in one game since Week 3.
4. Dallas Cowboys 📈
The Dallas Cowboys remain a strong defensive unit but Dak Prescott’s improved play as a passer lately has elevated the Cowboys’ offense to a new level. Head coach Mike McCarthy is seemingly moving off of a weak rushing attack led by Tony Pollard and building around his star player, CeeDee Lamb, who has been red-hot for three straight games, producing 22.6 – 35 fantasy points during this stretch.
QB Dak Prescott – The Cowboys’ franchise quarterback is slinging the ball with confidence right now, completing 70 percent of his passes or better in three of his past four games played. Prescott has thrown for over 300 yards in three straight games, leaning on alpha wideout CeeDee Lamb, while Brandin Cooks finally got going in Week 10, nearly matching Lamb’s 30-point outing in a dominant performance against the Giants. Carolina, Washington, and Seattle should be more opportunities for big outings from Prescott, keeping him in QB1 territory.
5. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers three-game losing skid came to an abrupt end with a dominant 34-3 win over Jacksonville in Week 10. Both teams had a week to prepare, but it clearly worked more in the 49ers’ favor, who saw all top-skilled players, except Christian McCaffery, score touchdowns. Brock Purdy threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 148.9 passer rating, while Chase Young’s reunion with Nick Bosa on San Francisco’s defensive line resulted in two of the 49ers’ five sacks recorded on Sunday. Games against the Buccaneers and Seahawks should keep the 49ers’ momentum intact moving forward.
WR Deebo Samuel – This year has been a weird one for Deebo Samuel, who popped early with 19.1 and 22.1 fantasy points against the Rams and Giants, before hitting a hard three-game regression, including 1.1 or fewer fantasy points. Injuries played a role, but now that he’s fully healthy, Samuel is back in his versatile role, converting a 23-yard end-around carry for a touchdown to hit 13.9 fantasy points despite only earning seven touches. Hopefully, Samuel hits at least 10 touches moving forward in plus-matchups, but even if he keeps the same usage, expect mid-range WR2 production.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore’s four-game win streak was snapped at home against the Browns in Week 10. The Ravens’ vaunted defense allowed 178 rushing yards and Lamar Jackson threw two interceptions, allowing Cleveland to erase a 14-point deficit in the second half with 17 unanswered points. Baltimore’s short week of preparation ahead of its second game against Cincinnati in Week 11 will be a massive matchup with implications for the AFC North and AFC playoff race.
RB Keaton Mitchell – Keaton Mitchell, an undrafted free agent out of ECU, has been flashing his speed and explosiveness in Baltimore’s offense. Mitchell has been limited with touches, earning just five in Week 10, but he cashed in with a 32-yard touchdown run against a stout Browns defense. Matchups against the Bengals and Chargers are both favorable, so Mitchell profiles as a risky hyper-efficient RB2 with potential RB1 upside if his alleged workload grows as the season progresses.
7. Minnesota Vikings 📈
Minnesota’s resiliency in the face of injuries to key players is its story thus far. Josh Dobbs is 2-0 with two impressive performances filling in for an injured Kirk Cousins, keeping the Vikings’ five-game win streak alive. A prime-time road game against a much-improved Denver defense in Week 11 will be an intriguing matchup to watch between two teams in the playoff mix for their respective conferences.
TE T.J. Hockenson – Dobbs’ presence under center has been even better for T.J. Hockenson, who has logged 27 targets across the last two weeks. He’s TE2, averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game, ahead of Mark Andrews, George Kittle, and Sam LaPorta. He should continue to feast against top-ten matchups against the Broncos and Bears in his next two games.
8. Cleveland Browns 📈
Cleveland’s depth and coaching kept it in the AFC North divisional hunt during Deshaun Watson’s injuries. His first full game back started off with a pick-six on the first play, but Watson’s ability to stay poised and use his mobility to extend plays complimented Myles Garrett and the Browns’ defense, which forced two interceptions and swung momentum multiple times to achieve a huge comeback win on the road against Baltimore. A Week 11 matchup against the Steelers will be must-see TV.
QB Deshaun Watson – Watson’s numbers don’t reflect how good he played in this game. Fantasy production was limited to 16.2 points, but we’ve seen Watson remain active as a ball carrier, meaning touchdowns are on the horizon. He’s a fringe QB1 who is increasing rapport with Amari Cooper but tough games against the Steelers and Broncos in the next two weeks could limit his ceiling.
9. Miami Dolphins
Miami’s trajectory has been similar to last season, minus injuries to Tua Tagovailoa. He’s still third in the MVP race, but the return of De’Von Achane is the antidote the Dolphins need to elevate their offense to its ceiling. A home game against the Raiders should result in a huge outing for most of the Miami offense, especially if Achane suits up.
RB De’Von Achane – We’ve already spent time on Achane, but his production prior to injury was astounding. Achane logged 49.3, 25.5, and 21 fantasy points before exiting late against the Giants with a knee injury that has kept him on I.R. since Week 5. Now, a schedule that consists of porous run defenses like the Raiders, Jets, and Commanders allows the explosive rookie running back to be a league-winning prospect.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s been the opposite of pretty or efficient, but Mike Tomlin has led the Steelers to a 6-3 record to remain in contention in an AFC North division with every team above .500. Pittsburgh’s starting to get its rushing attack going with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, while Diontae Johnson’s return has given quarterback Kenny Pickett another quality pass-catcher to target.
RB Jaylen Warren – Second-year running back Jaylen Warren has begun heating up in the past two games, handling 11 and 15 carries, resulting in 88 and 101 rushing yards during each outing. Warren’s also drawing three to five targets per game, raising his floor, while scoring his first two touchdowns of the season across the last four games. Warren’s role should continue to grow in a run-centric, slow-paced Steelers offense, making him a mid-range RB2 with low-end RB1 upside co-existing alongside Harris.
11. Houston Texans 🚀
Houston’s already logged two more wins through ten weeks than it did in all of 2022, as first-year head coach Demeco Ryans has transformed the Texans franchise into a tough out for every opponent. Houston has won three of its last four games outright, losing on a walk-off field goal to Carolina as its only blemish. The Texans can climb into the AFC South divisional lead with another win over Jacksonville in Week 12 after facing Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 11.
QB C.J. Stroud – Historic numbers have been logged by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. He threw for over 350 yards for the second straight game in a comeback win over Cincinnati, but he still managed just 19 fantasy points. Five touchdowns against the Bucs turned into one touchdown and an interception against a much better Bengals secondary. Stroud also scored a rushing touchdown, his second in three weeks, boosting his floor ahead of a top-eight fantasy matchup against the Cardinals’ defense next week, making him a low-end QB1.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati’s offense continues to be on fire, scoring at least 24 points in four of its past five games, but two Joe Burrow interceptions allowed the Texans to mount a late comeback with a walk-off field goal on the road in Week 10. The Bengals are 0-2 in the AFC North and will face Baltimore on the road and host Pittsburgh in Week 12, which are must-win games to stay competitive within the tight AFC North division, as well as the crowded AFC playoff picture.
RB Joe Mixon – Joe Mixon is RB20 in fantasy points per game (11.8) this season but he’s begun to deliver more consistent results during the Bengals’ games post-Bye. He’s yet to generate a 20-point outing this season but after starting six consecutive games under 15 fantasy points, Mixon has scored touchdowns in three straight weeks. As long as the Bengals’ offense is in the red zone, Mixon will earn valuable touches to remain a mid-range RB2 with the potential to get into RB1 territory with positive game scripts.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle continues to be a team that wins games without much flash. They also wait until late in the game to seal their wins, which seems like a trend that they cannot outrun. A 29-26 win against Washington saw the Seahawks account for over 350 passing yards, but Geno Smith’s inconsistency as a passer has kept Seattle from reaching the ceiling we projected onto them this offseason.
WR D.K. Metcalf – Despite earning a 29 percent target share, which is elite volume, Metcalf has only 10.6 fantasy points per game this season. The big-bodied wideout finished Week 10 with seven receptions for 98 yards on 12 targets, but he hasn’t scored since Week 4 and is also seeking his first game with at least 15 fantasy points. Perhaps a matchup against a Chargers pass defense in Week 11 will end Metcalf’s touchdown drought, which would make him a high-end WR2 instead of a volatile fringe WR3 as we’ve seen thus far.
14. Denver Broncos 📈
Sean Payton and Russell Wilson were flying under the radar until Monday night when they went on the road and beat the struggling Buffalo Bills 24-22 with a walk-off field goal. Javonte Williams, Courtland Sutton, and a much-improved Denver defense have rattled off three straight wins, with two over the Chiefs and Bills, to suddenly become an intriguing team to monitor in the AFC playoff picture.
RB Javonte Williams – Denver is finally unleashing Javonte Williams following a torn ACL suffered in 2022. Williams has handled 21-plus carries in two straight weeks and is also seeing three to four targets, which is where he’s scored two consecutive touchdowns as a pass-catcher. Williams is a fringe RB1 in a run-centric Broncos offense.
15. Buffalo Bills 📉
Three losses in the past four games resulted in Bills’ OC Ken Dorsey being fired on Tuesday. Josh Allen continues to be a turnover-machine and a botched series of plays late in the game against Denver, combined with an injured defense, has put the Bills into full-blown desperation mode.
RB James Cook – Most of us had higher expectations than 10.6 fantasy points per game for James Cook in Buffalo’s offense, but it’s the current reality. Maybe a change at OC will get Cook more involved, although he did turn 12 carries into 109 yards, plus two receptions for 11 yards on two targets against Denver. Josh Allen’s red zone usage continues to limit Cook from reaching 15-20 fantasy points consistently, making him a low-end RB2 with an RB3 floor.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars 📉
The Week 9 Bye did not do Jacksonville any favors, cooling off their five-game win streak with an embarrassing 34-3 home loss to San Francisco. Trevor Lawrence has not looked great for most of the year, as the offense has turned to Travis Etienne for most of its positive plays, which the 49ers snuffed out early in Week 10. Even at 6-3, Jacksonville needs to go 2-0 or at least 1-1 against the Titans and Texans, two divisional opponents, to feel good about its playoff chances in an increasingly competitive AFC South.
WR Calvin Ridley – Ridley’s continued slide in fantasy football lineups has been painful to watch. He was fourth in targets (3) against San Francisco, dropping to a 20 percent target share in his last three games, worse than Evan Engram and Christian Kirk. If Ridley doesn’t get back to at least 10 points in a top-11 fantasy matchup against Tennessee in Week 11, it may be time to consider benching him ahead of a tough matchup against a stout Houston secondary in Week 12.
17. Los Angeles Chargers 📉
Los Angeles has gone 2-3 in its last five games played despite scoring 27-38 points in three straight games. Its defense couldn’t contain Detroit at home in a 41-38 loss in Week 10, getting gashed for over 530 total yards. The Chargers didn’t even force a turnover, the first time since Week 2, despite Justin Herbert’s best efforts with over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns. Green Bay on the road presents a good matchup to get back in the win column in Week 11.
WR Keenan Allen – We’ve seen Allen take advantage of new OC Kellen Moore’s play calling, plus injuries to the Chargers’ wide receiving corps. He’s WR3 in fantasy points per game (18.7) and has caught eight or more receptions in three straight games, scoring two touchdowns against the Lions after enduring a three-game drought. Allen has gone over 25 points in three of nine games this season and his floor has only dipped below 10 points once, so he’s looking like a strong WR1 rest of season despite being undervalued in fantasy drafts.
18. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are a disjointed team that have somehow stumbled into five wins. New Orleans’ defense is getting progressively worse and failed to force a turnover against the Vikings in Week 10. Taysom Hill’s hot streak ended, while Jameis Winston filling in for an injured Derek Carr nearly led to a Saints comeback. They still have a hold on the NFC South and enter their Week 11 Bye with time to heal up some key injuries.
RB Alvin Kamara – Kamara is RB6 in fantasy points per game (16.9) despite only playing seven games this season. He benefits from a dink-and-dunk offense that funnels targets to him in the passing attack, while he’s been held out of the end zone for four of his past five games. Kamara has also logged under 10 carries in consecutive outings, but five to seven targets per game keeps him squarely in RB2 territory.
19. Indianapolis Colts
Gardner Minshew is more of a game manager with Jonathan Taylor ascending into his old RB1 role in Indianapolis’ offense. Head coach Shane Steichen has managed to lead the Colts to a 5-5 record despite missing Anthony Richardson and allowing the fourth-most yards to opponents. The Colts enter their Week 11 Bye with a favorable upcoming schedule against Tampa Bay and Tennessee.
RB Jonathan Taylor – The massive contract extension Taylor signed meant it was only a matter of time before we saw the Colts feature him with 20-plus touches in each game. That’s exactly what’s happened over the past two weeks, as Taylor has handled 18-23 carries while scoring a touchdown in three of his past four games played. This is the elite usage we expected all along, so keep Taylor locked into lineups without hesitation as an RB1.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s 3-1 start has quickly eroded into a 4-5 record. The Bucs won 20-6 in an ugly game over Tennessee, ending their four-game losing skid, with Baker Mayfield finding Mike Evans frequently. Running back Rachaad White has been a nice prospect with his year two development, but there isn’t a lot to be excited about with an upcoming road trip to San Francisco in Week 11.
WR Mike Evans – The Bucs’ WR1 has at least 87 receiving yards in two consecutive games and three touchdowns in his past four outings. Evans is good for at least 10 fantasy points, while he’s shown the ability to record 15 or more points in four of nine games, making him a solid WR2 in lineups.
21. Washington Commanders
Washington is 1-3 in its last four games but Sam Howell’s gunslinging mentality and ability makes their losses not look so bad. Washington nearly beat Philadelphia twice and nearly outplayed Seattle, with a revenge game matchup set up against a hapless Giants team in Week 11.
RB Brian Robinson Jr. – Brian Robinson Jr. is RB13 in fantasy points per game (13.2) with his second ceiling performance coming against Seattle in Week 10. Robinson is a fringe RB2 at his floor due to handling double-digit touches per game, but his usage as a receiver in an increasingly pass-centric offense, combined with red zone touches, makes Robinson a volatile RB2 moving forward, with RB1 upside against the Giants, who he scored against back in Week 7.
22. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are 2-0 under interim head coach Antonio Pierce and are evolving into a run-centric offense and hard-nosed defense. An ugly 16-12 win over the Jets in Week 10 will send the Raiders across the country to face the high-octane Miami offense in Week 11, which is expected to get De’Von Achane back. The Raiders’ porous run defense will need to figure out a game plan quickly to stay above .500.
RB Josh Jacobs – Josh Jacobs has handled elite volume under Pierce, churning out 26 and 27 carries for at least 98 rushing yards in two consecutive games. The Dolphins are the 19th-ranked fantasy matchup for running backs, but Jacobs’ usage is too good to move him out of lineups. Keep him plugged as a high-end RB2 or fringe RB1 in Week 11.
23. Arizona Cardinals
Yes, Arizona’s outlook with Kyler Murray back under center takes them from bottom-three to 23rd overall. A hard-fought 25-23 win over Atlanta saw the Cardinals resort to Murray as a ball carrier, looking explosive off of his torn ACL. Arizona’s defense held Atlanta to 245 total yards, including only 70 passing yards, while Cardinals tight end Trey McBride recorded over 100 receiving yards to move the offense down the field with relative ease.
TE Trey McBride – McBride’s inability to find the end zone is the only thing that kept him from being atop the fantasy tight end leaderboard in Week 10. McBride caught eight of nine targets for 131 yards, with an ADOT of 14.6 yards, ripping off huge chunk plays with Murray’s accuracy compared to Clayton Tune’s disastrous performance against Cleveland in Week 9. McBride is a mid-range TE1 entering a top-five matchup against Houston in Week 11.
24. New York Jets
New York’s inability to score touchdowns was highlighted during their lackluster outing against Las Vegas. Multiple chances to score and win the game were available, but Zach Wilson playing behind a porous and injury-decimated offensive line, combined without much receiving depth, leaves the Jets in a tough position ahead of a road trip to Buffalo in Week 11.
RB Breece Hall – Second-year running back Breece Hall has scored some impressive touchdowns a year removed from tearing his ACL, but it’s been tough sledding playing behind an injured offensive line unit that wasn’t elite to start. Hall has failed to deliver 10 fantasy points in consecutive games against the Chargers and Raiders, so he’ll look to return to high-end RB2 production in a plus-matchup against the Bills’ run defense, ranked as a top-ten fantasy running back matchup through ten weeks.
25. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ downward spiral continued in Week 10 with a road loss to Arizona. Desmond Ridder returned to quarterback an offense that lost Taylor Heinicke due to a hamstring injury, while Bijan Robinson’s increased usage does imply brighter days are potentially ahead for the highly-touted rookie running back.
RB Bijan Robinson – Robinson is RB22 in fantasy points per game (11.6) but did bounce back in Week 10 with 22 carries for 95 yards, resulting in a touchdown and over 100 scrimmage yards. Robinson returned to 17 fantasy points for the first time since Week 2, so hopefully, head coach Arthur Smith will keep this game plan intact for a Week 12 matchup against New Orleans’ vulnerable run defense.
26. Green Bay Packers 📉
Green Bay competed down the stretch on the road in Pittsburgh but Jordan Love couldn’t do enough to win the game despite recording 283 passing yards. The Packers haven’t scored more than 20 points since Week 2 and have committed at least one offensive turnover in seven consecutive matchups. At 3-6, Green Bay’s upcoming schedule against the Chargers, Lions, and Chiefs signals more losses, leading to some serious overhauling this upcoming offseason.
RB Aaron Jones – After delivering 15.9 points in Week 9, Aaron Jones turned 13 carries into 35 yards and caught four of six targets for an additional 19 receiving yards. His inability to get to double-digit production is concerning, especially in a Packers offense that struggles to find the end zone. Jones gets a top-four matchup against the Chargers’ run defense in Week 11, which should result in 10-15 fantasy points for just the third time in seven games played. Jones is an RB3 with RB2 upside.
27. Chicago Bears
Justin Fields’ absence from Chicago’s offense didn’t go too poorly. The Bears went 2-2 with Tyson Bagent under center, leaning on running back D’Onta Foreman to score touchdowns and move the chains. The Bears’ run defense has greatly improved since earlier in the year, so a Week 11 road trip to face Detroit could surprise many with a competitive divisional game at Ford Field.
TE Cole Kmet – Bagent looked to Cole Kmet early and often, but Fields also supported Kmet with eight to ten targets prior to injury. Kmet is TE6 this season, scoring 12.9 – 24.1 fantasy points in four of ten games played. His floor is low, which makes Kmet a bit risky, but a favorable top-seven fantasy tight end matchup against the Lions in Week 11 keeps Kmet in most fantasy lineups.
28. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee’s underwhelming season saw a brief moment of hope when Will Levis shredded Atlanta for four touchdowns during his debut. Fast forward a couple of weeks and Levis’ regression has hit hard, as he failed to do much of anything against Tampa Bay’s pass-friendly defense in Week 10.
QB Will Levis – As discussed, Will Levis’ 48 percent completion rate against the Buccaneers’ pass-friendly defense did not bode well for the rookie signal caller. He has thrown two interceptions and zero touchdowns in both road games following his debut at home against Atlanta. Levis should not be featured in starting lineups until he once again flashes his big arm, although a good opportunity against the Jaguars’ porous pass defense on the road in Week 11 will be another good test for the rookie quarterback.
29. Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford’s absence from the Rams’ offense made it look like a bottom-three unit against Green Bay. Now, coming out of their Week 10 Bye refreshed, Stafford is rumored to be back under center for a rematch against Seattle, which wound up with Los Angeles winning by multiple touchdowns in a surprise road win back in Week 1.
WR Puka Nacua – We’ve seen Puka Nacua cool off lately, but the fifth-round rookie wideout has shown strong rapport with Stafford, including back in Week 1, recording 10 receptions for 119 yards on 15 targets. The Seahawks remain a top-14 matchup for fantasy wideouts entering Week 11, so Nacua is a mid-range WR2 with WR1 upside.
30. New England Patriots 📉
A disastrous trip to Germany has many speculating about Bill Belichick’s tenure in New England. Mac Jones has played horribly, while the defense is getting uncharacteristically gashed. It’s looking grim for Patriots fans with eight weeks left in the regular season.
WR Demario Douglas – Rookie wideout Demario “Pop” Douglas has been solid and a lone bright spot for New England’s sputtering offense. Douglas recorded a career-high 84 receiving yards, catching six of nine targets and turning them into 11.4 fantasy points. Once Douglas finds the end zone, which could be few and far between, he’ll climb into mid-range WR2 territory. For now, treat Douglas as a high-end WR3 with a low-end WR2 upside.
31. New York Giants
The Giants are in a full-blown tailspin with Tommy Devito under center. The decision to pay Daniel Jones $40 million per year this offseason proved disastrous, as Jones’ multiple injuries, combined with injuries along most of the offensive line, have Brian Daboll looking for answers in a bad situation.
RB Saquon Barkley – Barkley has managed to average 13.5 fantasy points per game, dropping below seven fantasy points for the first time in Week 10. Barkley is handling 13-36 carries this season, garnering three to five targets in his past four games, so he’s a low-end RB2 due to volume alone. A better matchup against Washington awaits in Week 11, giving Barkley RB2 value in lineups, as he scored one of three touchdowns this season against the Commanders back in Week 7.
32. Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young’s flop in prime time against Chicago looks even worse after C.J. Stroud, taken No. 2 overall, led a comeback over Cincinnati on the road in Week 10. Frank Reich and the Panthers’ personnel are in serious jeopardy ahead of an intimidating mismatch hosting Dallas in Week 11.
WR Adam Thielen – Since outperforming his ADP for a five-week stretch from Weeks 2-6, including three outings above 22 fantasy points, Adam Thielen has crashed back down to Earth. Thielen is still seeing 6-11 targets during his slump, which is good volume, but Young’s inefficient play from the pocket has resulted in Thielen falling below 7.5 fantasy points in good matchups against the Colts and Bears secondaries. A Week 11 matchup against Dallas, a bottom-two fantasy wideout matchup, leaves Thielen as a WR4 with WR3 upside. He’s best left out of lineups against Dallas.
