Week 11 of fantasy football has arrived, with managers required to make difficult lineup decisions. Sometimes, players who are viewed as fringe starters can produce unexpectedly big performances. These can often make or break fantasy football matchups. Below is a list of players, one from each position, who carry upside this week and can be placed in fantasy starting lineups.
Week 10 Upside Plays was a bit of a mixed bag. Tua Tagovailoa underwhelmed despite the Dolphins winning, while Najee Harris and Theo Johnson had modest fantasy outings. Darnell Mooney exceeded his weekly projection, as he has done many times so far this season.
Week 11 Fantasy Football – Upside Plays of the Week
Quarterback – C.J Stroud
C.J. Stroud has struggled for production this season, currently ranking well outside the top-12 quarterbacks in fantasy (QB17). The Texans signal caller has thrown only two passing touchdowns in his last five starts. Nonetheless, Stroud gets an advantageous matchup in Week 11 against the Cowboys and should also have top receiver Nico Collins back from a lengthy hamstring injury. The Cowboys defense ranks bottom-five against quarterbacks, allowing 22.78 fantasy points per game (FPPG). Fantasy managers who have pivoted away from Stroud in recent weeks should give the second-year pro an opportunity to bounce back in Week 11.
Running-Back – Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren has been slowly heating up in recent weeks. The Steelers running-back has recorded over 40 rushing yards in each of the last three games and saw a season-high 14 carries in Week 10. The Steelers face the Ravens in Week 11 in a crucial divisional matchup. Although the Ravens have a top run defense, they have leaked receiving yards and receptions to running-backs this season. While Warren will continue to split volume with early down back Najee Harris, he has carved out a notable change-of-pace role in this Steelers offense. Managers can view Warren as a solid RB3/flex option with upside in Week 11.
Wide Receiver – Calvin Ridley
Including Calvin Ridley again in this week’s edition, as the veteran wideout put in another solid showing in Week 10. Ridley has seen at least eight targets in five consecutive weeks and is the only relevant receiving option for the struggling Titans. The Titans play the Vikings in Week 11, which presents another plus matchup for Ridley. The Vikings defense is allowing the third-most yards and FPPG to opposing wide receivers this season. While it’s difficult to predict how quarterback Will Levis will play on a weekly basis, fantasy managers should put trust in Ridley to be productive again this week.
Calvin Ridley over the last four weeks:
🔹 23 receptions
🔹 345 total yards
🔹 2 TDs
🔹 16.9 fantasy PPGHe's the WR5 over this stretch 👀 pic.twitter.com/sJ3J4FHx55
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 13, 2024
Tight End – Taysom Hill
It’s that time of year when Taysom Hill inevitably enters fantasy relevance once again. The Saints‘ “Swiss army knife” is utilized all over the field throughout the season as either a passer, rusher, or receiver. Hill produced only six fantasy points last week but had an 81-yard touchdown called back due to a holding penalty. The Saints remain without key offensive players Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, along with their back-up running backs. This leaves more opportunity and volume for Hill, particularly when the Saints are in the red zone. The Saints face the Browns in Week 11 in what could turn into an ugly matchup, which is exactly the type of games that Hill can thrive in. Fantasy managers who are brave enough to start Hill as either a tight-end or in a flex spot can expect a boom-or-bust performance from the versatile veteran.
Main Image: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
