Which NFL winning streaks are in danger heading into Week 11?
USA TODAY Sports’ Joe Rivera and Chris Bumbaca break down which teams riding a hot streak could be in danger of losing this this weekend.
There are four weeks left in most fantasy football leagues’ regular seasons. Now is the time to make a final push for a playoff spot.
For fantasy managers on the playoff bubble, each roster decision could be make-or-break. And with so many wide receivers injured – and a few consistent performers on bye – it can be hard to figure out which players are worth starting in crucial Week 11 matchups.
There are several wide receivers in favorable situations this week, but a few should be avoided given their opponents or other factors. USA TODAY Sports has parsed through Week 11 matchups to offer key start-or-sit advice.
The following five players deserve some extra consideration in Week 11, with three as potential start candidates and two potential sits.
Here’s what to know:
Fantasy football start ’em: Week 11 WRsJaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (vs. Washington Commanders)
The Commanders could not stop anything the Detroit Lions‘ offense threw at them last week, and that has become something of a theme this season – but particularly in the last few weeks. Washington ranks third in average fantasy points allowed to wideouts for the whole season, but they’re second in that metric over the last four weeks and first in fantasy points allowed to receivers in the last two weeks.
Waddle is entering a Week 11 meeting with this Washington squad red-hot. The Dolphins‘ No. 1 receiver has tallied at least five catches and 80+ yards in three straight games, and he’s scored a touchdown in two out of his three outings. Look for Miami and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to continue feeding their top receiver at home against the Commanders this week.
Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns (vs. Baltimore Ravens)
Jeudy is a risky start in any week given his struggles and those of rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel so far this season. But he’s coming off of his best game of the year so far – six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown – against the Jets and has another promising matchup in Week 11.
Baltimore’s defense ranks among the top units in receptions allowed to opposing wide receivers. Over the last two weeks, their 27 receptions and 382 yards allowed to wideouts rank fifth and fourth, respectively, of all units. Through 10 weeks, the Ravens rank fourth in the league in average fantasy points allowed to receivers this year (38.10).
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (vs. San Francisco 49ers)
Wilson is a bit of a curveball pick to be a starter in Week 11, but things are lining up in his favor. The Cardinals‘ WR2 ranks third on the team in targets behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride. He hasn’t surpassed 50 yards in a game more than once this season.
But the 49ers have recently been among the league’s defenses most susceptible to giving up fantasy points to receivers. San Francisco has consistently ranked among the top teams in receptions allowed this year – fourth this year, second in the last four weeks, and fourth in the last two weeks.
Wilson is potentially going to step into the Cardinals’ top receiver role with Marvin Harrison Jr. recovering from an appendicitis procedure. Zay Jones, who would have been another receiver competing for targets, is out for the season with a torn ACL. All four of Wilson’s best games statistically have come with quarterback Jacoby Brissett starting, and Week 11 is his best opportunity yet.
Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 11 WRsJakobi Meyers, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)
Meyers had a solid debut with the Jaguars in Week 10 – catching three passes for 41 yards against the Texans – but the odds are not in his favor in Week 11.
For one thing, second-year wideout Brian Thomas Jr. is returning from his ankle injury. For another, Parker Washington (7) more than doubled Meyers’ three targets in Week 10 to lead the team in the category for a second straight week.
For a third thing, the Chargers are one of the best teams at preventing fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. They rank second in average fantasy points allowed this year, fifth in that stat over the last four weeks and third over the last two weeks.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (@ Denver Broncos)
Worthy’s fantasy value has fallen off a cliff since Rashee Rice returned from his six-week suspension. Rice has surpassed the second-year wideout in receptions and yards in each of his three games back, while Worthy has had more than 50 yards in just one game in that span.
The Broncos have one of the best passing defenses in the NFL this year, and that’s been backed up in their fantasy metrics as well. Denver has allowed the fewest average fantasy points to wideouts this year – just 25.29 per game – and that mark drops to 22.25 points allowed per game in the last two weeks.
Coming out of the Chiefs’ Week 10 bye, Worthy is safe to stay on fantasy managers’ benches in Week 11.
Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em, Week 11
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 11.
→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here’s who to start and who to sit in Week 11.
→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here’s who you should start and sit in Week 11.