Fantasy football is not a sprint, but rather, it is a marathon. Daily fantasy options have become more and more popular over the last several years. Part of that popularity is the sprint mentality, and it is certainly another way to ingest fantasy. However, many of us are at this point, life-long addicts to seasonal, keeper, and dynasty leagues. Those leagues require constant monitoring, pondering, and a spritz of luck.
We’re heading into the push for the playoffs for most fantasy leagues. Coupling smart trades, waiver wire management, and start and sit decisions predicates those who move forward.
Let’s jump right into picking some pondered players for this week’s matchups.
For reference, the following teams are on bye this week; Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers.
Fantasy Football Week 11: Starts and Sits Featuring Alex Collins
Starts: Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott vs. Atlanta Falcons
Let’s not mince words here, Dak Prescott has been largely disappointing for fantasy purposes this season. In four of his nine games, he’s been held under 200 passing yards. He’s only thrown multiple touchdowns, and never more than two, in three games. But, he’s facing a Falcons defense that’s allowing an average of 294 passing yards per contest. Add recently acquired weapon Amari Cooper, and Prescott becomes a solid bye-week streamer. His legs provide a stable floor in a solid upside type of matchup.
Deshaun Watson vs. Washington Redskins
Second-year pro Deshaun Watson has had plenty of up-and-down performances this season. After having a four-week stretch of over 300 yards passing, he has simmered down production wise. In his last four games, he hasn’t topped 239 yards but has thrown for nine touchdowns in that same span. Part of the waning performance may have been due to some nagging, seemingly serious chest injuries and some can be attributed to the loss of Will Fuller V due to injury.
Coming off of their bye, the Houston Texans travel to the Washington Redskins. The Redskins defense, and offense, have been decimated recently by injury. Quarterback Alex Smith has settled back into a game manager mode and isn’t lighting up defenses. The Texans may not have a difficult time gaining a lead or maintaining it. Watson should be healthier and therefore more prone to stretch plays with his legs. He has legitimate top-ten potential this week among the position.
Sits: Quarterback
Andy Dalton vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Cincinnati Bengals minus A.J. Green have been less potent offensively. Andy Dalton struggled to get the offense moving last week, only throwing for 153 yards. This week will not be an improvement as the Bengals head into Baltimore and the Ravens stout defense. The Ravens have only allowed one quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards. Expect the Ravens to be all over Dalton and running back Joe Mixon. Dalton is a must-bench this week and should be avoided.
Starts: Running Backs
Doug Martin vs. Arizona Cardinals
On a scale of one-to-ten, how surprising is it to see the words “start” followed by “Doug Martin” this season? Here are the facts, Martin is locked into the role and 13-18 touches that come with it. The matchup is good as the Arizona Cardinals have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. The Cardinals offense is still in a transitionary phase, and outside of David Johnson, lack anything consistent. While Martin may not win anyone a week, he’s a sure shot for touches and the volume is helpful during bye weeks. Expect mid-range RB2 output this week.
Alex Collins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
This has not been the season many were projecting for Alex Collins. However, despite a lingering case of fumble-itis, he did score in the last two games prior to the Ravens bye-week. The Bengals have allowed eight rushing touchdowns this season. With the expectation of Baltimore playing with a lead, Collins expects to have a solid workload. While we may see sprinkles of Javorius Allen and possibly even Ty Montgomery make his Ravens debut, Collins should be considered an upside RB2 in this matchup.
Sits: Running Back
Jordan Howard vs. Minnesota Vikings
We saw Jordan Howard‘s recent success come to a screeching halt last week, in a good matchup. After scoring four times in three games, Howard hit the skids to the tune of 11 attempts for only 21 yards. The Minnesota Vikings are allowing the ninth fewest points to running backs, and this has all the makings of a Tarik Cohen type of game. Owners should seriously consider sitting Howard this week.
Starts: Wide Receivers
Amari Cooper vs. Atlanta Falcons
Since being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, Amari Cooper has shed the previous frustrations most typically associated with having him on a fantasy roster. He’s had 18 targets in two games with Dak and appears to have seamlessly moved into the number-one role. This week, after having several weeks to learn the playbook and establish some rapport, the Cowboys take on the Atlanta Falcons defense that is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wideouts. Fire Cooper up as a steady WR2 with upside this week.
Alshon Jeffery vs. New Orleans Saints
Since returning from injury, Alshon Jeffery is averaging just over eight targets per game. He’s been more of a target monster than most were predicting coming into the season. The New Orleans Saints defense has shown signs of improvement, but Jeffery owners shouldn’t be concerned about Marshon Lattimore in this game. In a game that has shootout potential written all over it, Jeffery is a great start this week in all formats.
Sits: Wide Receivers
Demaryius Thomas vs. Washington Redskins
Demaryius Thomas was one of the higher profile wide receivers that found a new home recently. His debut was relatively quiet but now he’s had a week to acclimate to the playbook and Watson. Thomas is expected to return to fantasy relevance this season, but we need to see more to trust him in lineups. He’s a low-end WR3/flex option for bye week filler purposes.
