Week 11 byes include the Browns, Giants, Saints and Steelers. Thankfully it’s the last round of bye weeks for the season. Injuries continue to mount making the waiver wire your first chance at replacing or stashing the next man up. It’s never too early to start thinking playoffs either as we look ahead at the value the wire brings us for week 11 matchups.
Quarterbacks
Matt Hasselbeck, IND – Injuries continue to sideline Andrew Luck this season. Matt Hasselbeck will be forced back into the starting roll against Atlanta this Sunday. Hasselbeck’s numbers were not crazy from a fantasy stand point in his two previous starts, but he protected the football and was serviceable. The match up against Atlanta is favorable and looking ahead in week 12 he has a second favorable matchup against Tampa Bay, if he is called upon again. There is most likely better streaming options available in single QB leagues, but those brave enough for the 2 QB leagues are looking at Hasselbeck with some interest.
Brock Osweiler, DEN – Whether its protecting the legacy or truly a bad injury concern Peyton Manning is grabbing some bench in week 11 against the Bears. Enter Brock Osweiler, the backup we know very little about. We can’t judge too much on last week’s game as Osweiler and the Broncos were severely crippled by Peyton Manning before he left the game. Brock will have a full week of preparation on his side when playing the Bears. On top of that I expect to see the defense step up and potential create some very favorable situations for the second stringer.
Running Backs
Matt Jones, WAS – A minor injuries paved the way for Matt Jones to step in for Alfred Morris. Jones earned 187 yards on 11 rush attempts and 3 catches. Washington will continue to be a true committee situation but Jones is trending better than Morris in the last two games. This is a player you will want to capitalize on as the playoff edge closer. He has a very high ceiling with good match ups against Carolina, The New York Giants, and Dallas in the next few weeks. He’s only owned in 48% of leauges.
Andre Ellington, ARI – At this point of the year you might want to start making room for late season sleepers. Andre Ellington falls into that category in my opinion. He hasn’t earned nearly half of his production back but he is making the most of his carries. Last week he tallied 61 yards and a touchdown on just 5 touches. If you have the room for him on your bench and you expect to be in your leagues playoff he might be worth a stash. Production like his breeds more touches and Chris Johnson is no spring chicken.
Wide Receivers
Danny Amendola, NE - Our week 11 “next man up” is Danny Amendola. Julian Edelman just had surgery on his foot and Amendola will see an increased roll. He is probably the highest ranked waiver claim this week overall. Last week he had 10 receptions on 11 targets for 79 yards. He has always been a talented player, but he has struggled to stay healthy himself. Tom Brady has a lot of confidence in Amendola and the increased looks only makes him an immediate fantasy impact player.
Dwayne Harris, NYG – Another stash player heading into week 11 is Dwayne Harris. 3 of his last 4 games he has seen double digit fantasy numbers. Week 9 was a huge blemish on his fantasy value however. In weeks 8 and 10 he has 3 touchdowns total. Right now he is a risk, but showing signs of improved play and more confidence from Eli. The Giants are on bye in week 11 so only take the chance on him if your cruising in your leagues.
Tight Ends
Crockett Gillmore, BAL – This is the second week in a row Crockett Gillmore makes the waiver list. Usually I avoid doubling up on guys, but he proved himself last week and is only owned in 13% of leagues. Steve Smith Sr. going down caused a major void in the passing game and Crocket did his part to fill that void for Joe Flacco. He caught all 4 of his targets for 42 yards and a touchdown. I expect to see him continue to take on an expanded role for the Ravens.
Kickers
Cairo Santos, KC – A top 3 player at his position is only owned in 21% of the leagues. Cairo Santos has had his ups and downs to be honest, but his ups have been big. His future schedule is favorable with games against San Diego, Buffalo and Oakland in the next 3 weeks. Kansas City as a team continues to favor Santos too as he has 22 field goals on the season with 9 being 40 yards or more.
Defense/Special Teams
Kansas City Chiefs – They are a top 10 fantasy defense this season. In their last 5 games they have allowed less than 20 points to opponents too. Improved sack statistics have also complimented the KC defense. They have San Diego, Buffalo and Oakland the next three weeks and aren’t a bad options for those fantasy players streaming defenses all season.
