Week 11 Start'em/Sit'em
This is the Fantasy Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for Week 11 of the 2021 NFL season. Analysis is aggregated from multiple sources including FN. Rankings are based upon PPR (point per reception) scoring. Given the known conditions, these matchups are the ones to watch and/or avoid.
Please Note: This list does not generally include the elite players that you are going to start regardless of matchup. You don't need us to tell you to start Alvin Kamara, Travis Kelce, or Davante Adams. Instead, we take a look at other players on your team that we believe either have great matchups or should be avoided for multiple reasons. Factors like opposing defense, performance trending, and peer comparisons may influence our decisions.
Start 'em Cam Newton (CAR, QB)Cam said it best after one of his two trips to the endzone last week: "I'm back". As long as he remains the starter (which seems likely), he's worth starting as a low-end QB1 against a Washington defense that lost Chase Young for the season and is giving up more points to QBs than anyone else.
Start 'em Ryan Tannehill (TEN, QB)Without Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill will likely have to shoulder more of the burden. This is a great matchup for him as the Texans give up the 7th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season. Game script may be a concern should the Titans get a big lead early, but Tannehill's matchup and consistency should keep him in QB1 discussions.
Start 'em Joe Burrow (CIN, QB)The Raiders were the get-right game for Patrick Mahomes last week, and given that Joe Burrow disappointed fantasy owners last week, this should be a get-right opportunity for him as well. Prior to the Cleveland game, Burrow had 20+ points in four of his five previous games. He should flirt with similar output.
Start 'em AJ Dillon (GB, RB)With Aaron Jones sidelined, AJ Dillon racked up 26.8 fantasy points last week. When Green Bay visits Minnesota this week, we expect Jones (mild MCL sprain) to miss the game. Dillon will be atop the depth chart and firmly in RB1 status for this one.
Start 'em James Conner (ARI, RB)Ranked 12th this week, James Conner will face a Seattle defense giving up the 2nd-most fantasy points to running backs including the 26.8 points that we mention above for AJ Dillon. Conner has remarkably rushed for 11 touchdowns in just ten games (12 touchdowns on the year). With no real competition for workload, look for Conner to continue steamrolling defenses.
Start 'em Michael Carter (NYJ, RB)Michael Carter has been a nice surprise for fantasy owners. Even in a tough matchup last week, he managed to put up 18.2 fantasy points. His involvement in the passing game certainly helps. Hopefully Joe Flacco will keep him involved there. Miami has been fairly solid against running backs the past few weeks, but Carter figures to be a solid RB2 in this one.
Start 'em Marquise Brown (BAL, WR)Hollywood Brown comes into this one ranked 15th on Fantasy Nerds. While it's very difficult to run on the Bears, they've been much more susceptible to the pass which works in Brown's favor. He has averaged a whopping 10.8 targets over his last five games. With multiple 100 yard games under his belt this season, it would not be surprising to see him hit the century mark once again.
UPDATE: Marquise Brown has been downgraded to OUT for Week 11.
Start 'em Brandin Cooks (HOU, WR)Ranked just two spots behind Marquise Brown is Brandin Cooks who remains the Texans' only legitimate fantasy asset. He is the most targeted player on the team and the only one capable of consistently putting up points. That's great, because nobody is giving up more fantasy points to receivers right now than the Titans. Cooks would normally be a solid flex play, but we'd consider him a solid WR2 in this one.
Start 'em Jarvis Landry (CLE, WR)We consider this more of a "squeaky wheel gets the grease" situation. Landry came out this week complaining about the lack of targets and workload. For a guy who is normally quiet in that regard, we're sure the Browns would like to see him more involved. The return of Nick Chubb should keep defenses focus once again on the run game. His floor in this one keeps him in the WR3/Flex discussion.
Start 'em Mike Gesicki (MIA, TE)In full transparency, we recommended Mike Gesicki last week and he left all of us with a big fat doughnut. The odds of that happening again are slim. He still competes for the most targets on the team (avg 6.9 targets/game), plays an incredible 80% of the snaps, and should have no trouble redeeming himself against the Jets on Sunday.
Start 'em Zach Ertz (ARI, TE)It didn't take long for Zach Ertz to cement himself a role on this offense. Over his last four games, Ertz has averaged ~5 targets per game. If you're in need of a TE, he's got the floor to make him a safe play. He's ranked just inside our Top 10 this week.
Start 'em Tennessee Titans (TEN, DEF)Nobody gives up more points to defenses than the Houston Texans making the Titans a must-start for Week 11.
Start 'em Chase McLaughlin (CLE, K)The winless Lions are a great team to play against if you're a kicker. They've given up more points to kickers this season than anyone else including 12 points last week to Chris Boswell and 14 points to Jake Elliott in the game prior.
Sit 'em Matt Ryan (ATL, QB)Is there a more frustrating QB in fantasy right now? In what should have been a high-scoring affair last week, Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense failed to show up. Now they'll face a Patriots secondary that is giving up the second-fewest points per game to quarterbacks. Leave Ryan on the bench.
Sit 'em Justin Fields (CHI, QB)Although Justin Fields has started to show progress, he's still a wildly-inconsistent quarterback who has thrown twice as many interceptions as touchdowns over his last four games. The Ravens might not be the same shutdown defense that they were in the past, but they're still solid and will pressure Fields repeatedly.
Sit 'em Baker Mayfield (CLE, QB)This should be such a nice matchup, but the real question is whether or not you can trust Baker Mayfield in your lineup. Last week, the Patriots kept him to just 73 yards before he left the game in the third quarter with a knee contusion. Mayfield has just one game this year with more than 20 points and is averaging an awful 13 points per game. Look for the Browns to keep it on the ground this game and leave Baker on the bench.
Sit 'em Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC, RB)Will this be the week that we finally see CEH return to action? He's expected to return, but Andy Reid indicated that they could hold Edwards-Helaire out until after their bye next week. Should he return, we wouldn't rush him into lineups. His actual workload remains to be seen and the matchup is not great. We're taking the wait and see approach to CEH.
Sit 'em D'Onta Foreman (TEN, RB)It looks like D'Onta Foreman may be the head of the three-back rotation in Tennessee. Without Derrick Henry, the trio of Foreman, Adrian Peterson, and Jeremy McNichols are the committee tasked with keeping the ground game relevant. None have come close to replicating Henry's stats. In fact, Foreman averaged just 2.7 yards per carry last week. Of the three, Foreman is the highest ranked player at the moment. In a nice matchup, Foreman wouldn't be considered anything but a flex option and that's assuming that he still gets the bulk of the workload.
Sit 'em Jordan Howard (PHI, RB)With Miles Sanders sidelined, Jordan Howard returned to fantasy relevance averaging 70 rushing yards in each of those games plus making three trips to the endzone. As of now, Sanders has a chance to play on Sunday. According to Nick Sirianni, "if Miles is healthy and ready to go, he's our starter." If he plays, Jordan Howard's fantasy value will take a significant hit. Even if he does play, the matchup is awful as the Saints give up the 3rd-fewest fantasy points.
Sit 'em Marvin Jones (JAC, WR)It's not fair to blame the lack of production from Marvin Jones on Marvin Jones. Despite being the #1 receiver on the team and having rapport with Trevor Lawrence, he can't do much if he can't get the ball. Lawrence has been a significant disappointment and Jones' fantasy value is unfortunately intrinsically tied to his. Add in a tough matchup against the Niners and Jones becomes too difficult to start with any sort of confidence.
Sit 'em Allen Robinson (CHI, WR)Believe it or not, Allen Robinson hit double-digit production last week for his second-highest scoring week of the season. Mind you that it was just 10.8 points, but frankly, that's better than his average this season. Justin Fields has simply not lived up to expectations in his rookie season, and when he does throw, it's often Darnell Mooney that's being targeted. It's not much of a stretch to project Robinson to remain under 10 fantasy points once again.
Sit 'em Kenny Golladay (NYG, WR)After missing four games, we got to see a healthy Kenny Golladay last week. He managed just 4.8 points, but getting back onto the field was the real takeaway. He'll have a nice matchup on Monday night against the Bucs, but to view Golladay as anything but a boom-or-bust type player would be inaccurate. With a full receiving corp finally, Golladay will need to compete for targets. He's averaging 8.3 points per game this season, and while he may flirt with double digits, he's far from a lock.
Sit 'em Jared Cook (LAC, TE)We've sadly watched Jared Cook's workload decrease over the past three weeks. The lack of a consistent workload combined with a tough matchup make it very difficult to start him. The Steelers rattled the Lions last week keeping T.J. Hockenson to zero fantasy points (he actually had as many penalties as targets in that one). Cook is better left on the bench right now.
Sit 'em Cameron Brate (TB, TE)With no Gronk on the field, the opportunity for Cameron Brate to emerge has been met with a dud. Although he managed to get into the endzone last week for the first time this season, he has failed to put up more than 7.6 points in any game this season. We don't expect that to suddenly happen on Monday night.
Sit 'em Green Bay Packers (GB, DEF)The Packers dominated Russell Wilson and the Seahawks last week, but a matchup in Minnesota against Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen presents a different dilemma. The Vikings give up the 5th-fewest fantasy points to opposing defense/special teams making them a risky play in Week 11.
Sit 'em Greg Joseph (MIN, K)Nobody gives up fewer fantasy points to kickers this year than Green Bay. They delivered a doughnut to Jason Meyers last week and have not allowed any kicker to reach double digits this year. There's no reason to expect that to change this week.
Join the Discussion
If asking a sit/start question, be sure to provide your scoring format and contribute to answering questions from other FN members as well.
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 19, 2021 2:21 pm
OK, I may be overdoing it here I admit, but is there any way you start Burrow over Mahomes this week (based purely on their matchups I guess... I can't get a good read on which Dallas team or which KC team will be showing up...) Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Cheers y'all!
T-Jugg CommentedNov 19, 2021 5:03 pm
I think you have to stick with Mahomes. Chiefs/Cowboys should be a shootout. Just my two cents.
Nerd CommentedNov 19, 2021 5:44 pm
I totally get why you're asking, but I would still stick with Mahomes
Good luck!
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:26 pm
Mahomes
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:13 am
Thanks y’all. Sticking with mahomie
T-Jugg CommentedNov 19, 2021 5:00 pm
Some knucklehead in my 2 QB league just dropped Russell Wilson. Should I drop either Herbert or Burrow and pick up Wilson? (can only roster 2 QBs)
Nerd CommentedNov 19, 2021 5:47 pm
If you're comfortable with Wilson's finger (I am), then I'd drop Burrow. Keep in mind that Herbert already had his bye week, so you'll either be starting him or playing someone based upon matchup. Neither Burrow nor Wilson should be your normal starter. It's a good position to be in.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:27 pm
Drop Burrow. Pick up Wilson
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:13 am
Wilson for burrow for me.
OldGeezer CommentedNov 19, 2021 6:05 pm
DK Metcalf or D Montgomery in the flex position? Half PPR. Picked up D Arnold as insurance with D Goedert. Now the he's out of Concussion Protocol not sure who to start
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:16 pm
I would start Metcalf.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:27 pm
Metcalf
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:12 am
Montgomery and Goedert for me.
LOSTBOYZ CommentedNov 19, 2021 8:56 pm
Metcalf hasn't had a year great year, Wilson was hurt and his play hasn't been up to par. I would start Montgomery, he is fresh and the Bears will run the ball to take the pressure off of Fields. Montgomery can also give you some points receiving out the backfield plus the Seahawks are playing the Cardinals and after the Panthers just woke that defense up I see the Cards defense having a good game.
LOSTBOYZ CommentedNov 19, 2021 9:01 pm
PPR League, Austin Ekeler and Dalvin Cook are my starters but just picked up Mark Ingram and saw they are playing the Eagles. Cook and Ekeler are my usual starter but both have hard matchups. What do you guys think about Ingram starting in one of my two RB spots? Justin Jefferson is in my Flex btw.
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:18 pm
I wouldn't start Ingram over Ekeler or Cook. Would still keep Jefferson in the flex. Sounds like a stacked team.
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:27 pm
Yup What the Nerd said
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:11 am
Ekeler, cook and Jefferson for me.
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:20 pm
While Rodgers has historically owned the Vikings, I'd probably still start Hurts against the Saints. It's close though.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:27 pm
Rodgers
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:11 am
Rodgers.
montanans CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:21 pm
I actually got good advice from you guys last week but maybe that's easy because you put guys in your column who already played. How hard is it to put Matt Ryan in the Sit side when you already know how he did? Give me a break.
drcharlie CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:30 pm
Umm. If you look at the date it was written, it was Nov 17, 2021 at 9:15 pm ET.
That's Wednesday night. Wednesday comes before Thursday. Matt Ryan played on Thursday. Therefore Matt Ryan played after they published this article. Give me a break.
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:37 pm
I appreciate the feedback - though we actually wrote about Matt Ryan on Wednesday.
It might be a good idea to change the date display on the articles to also show the day of the week. Perhaps that will alleviate confusion in the future.
I will add that to the enhancement list.
montanans CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:45 pm
Sorry fellas. I did not see the date. That makes sense. Sorry for the attitude. The site did give good advice.
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:28 pm
LOL - Nerd is so nice
adkinsk1 CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:35 pm
Been waffling over starting Rogers or Newton. Have a gut feeling about Cam this week, but Rogers v Vikings, plus I’m starting Davante Adams, seems like it might be the smarter move. Any thoughts?
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:46 pm
Rodgers is the safer play there. Not sure what Cam's workload will be (PJ Walker may get some snaps according to Rhule).
Rodgers has historically owned the Vikings.
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:28 pm
I'd start the immunized guy lol
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:10 am
Rodgers. Never Cam. Never. lol
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:47 pm
Gotta roll with the Cardinals in that one.
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 12:33 pm
CARDS
The Mormon Battalion CommentedNov 20, 2021 12:48 pm
I'm stacked at RB but I am tempted to trade Montgomery and Henderson for either Barkley or Chubb. I start Elliott, Ekeler and Mixon. Would you do the trade to get Barkley or Chubb or should I stay put? Which drop-add to you recommend between Toney, Bateman or Gallup? Thanks Tons and have a great Thanksgiving?
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:17 pm
Agreed. You don't really need Montgomery or Henderson - perfect situation for a trade. Would rather have Chubb over Barkley, but why not trade for a WR or TE instead? You should be able to get someone decent for Montgomery or Henderson.
Check the free rest of season rankings for Toney and those guys. Could differ depending upon scoring format.
Have a great Thanksgiving as well!
RogueRaider CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:13 pm
Thoughts on a Brady, Evans, Gronkowski stack this week versus NYG? Have Gesicki plugged in right now.
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:37 pm
Would rather have Gesicki instead of Gronk. Not sure what his workload will be. We know what Gesicki's workload will be. Safer play.
RogueRaider CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:14 pm
Tannehill or Rodgers this week? FN says Tannehill...Thoughts?
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:38 pm
I like Rodgers over Tannehill in this one.
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:29 pm
Rodgers stunk last week. No way that he does it again. Start Rodgers
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:16 am
Rodgers for me.
Styx CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:19 pm
Need help, lol. Lost Kamara, Michell, Patterson, and Henderson on a bye. I only have Ingram for an RB. I dropped my Defense to pick up Darrel Williams who was dropped this week. How do you feel about not playing a defense this week? I have no one to drop. They are all hurt but not droppable.
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:39 pm
Depends upon your league. Some leagues require a full roster. Some don't. If they don't, I don't see the harm in not starting a DEF if you don't have good options.
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:15 am
Drop Williams, I never leave pts on the board, but I also usually am also playing for highest points as well in my leagues…
Drew Shoemaker CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:23 pm
Pick 2 full PPR league
Hollywood Brown, James Robinson, DJ Moore, Jeff Wilson, Gallup
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 1:39 pm
It's Brown and Robinson for me.
Good luck!
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:29 pm
Brown isn't playing anymore. Go with Robinson and Moore
Nerd CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:13 am
Correct - Hollywood is no longer playing this week. Robinson/Moore and let's hope that Cam ups Moore's value.
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:14 am
Robinson, moore
Qui CommentedNov 20, 2021 3:17 pm
J. Herbert or J. Burrow? I’ve picked the wrong one twice and it caused a loss.
Nerd CommentedNov 20, 2021 3:27 pm
Close, but I would still give a slight edge to Herbert. Of course, now that I say that, Burrow will light it up. Still - would start Herbert.
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:29 pm
Herbert
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:14 am
Close, Burrow for me this week at least…
Ed Chan CommentedNov 20, 2021 3:27 pm
Can't decide who to flex: D'Onta Foreman, Tee Higgins or Alex Collins. Foreman b/c of the matchup against the Texans, Higgins b/c of being a reliable WR2 on the team, or Collins b/c of expected volume as the primary carrier?
mrock CommentedNov 20, 2021 5:30 pm
Tee Higgins is the safe bet
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:09 am
Higgins if PPR in any way, Collins if not.
hoop2311 CommentedNov 21, 2021 7:21 am
Half point PPR. I need 3. James Robinson, David montgomery, Mark Ingram,D Foreman. Jeff Willson. Thanks
Nerd CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:02 am
Robinson and Montgomery
Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:08 am
Robinson, Ingram and Wilson for me.
jamisdiablo CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:05 am
1pt PPR league, start Thielen or JWjr in the flex? Thanks! Will comment in return.
Nerd CommentedNov 21, 2021 10:10 am
Jeff Wilson could break out, but I would still start Thielen.
Good luck and thanks for all of your comments!
Nerd CommentedNov 21, 2021 12:17 pm
Yes - would start Lockett
Good luck!
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