Week 11 of the NFL season brings fantasy football players another step closer to the playoffs. That means decisions on who to play and who to leave on the bench become more critical. This week, the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are on byes. Team owners who have Jonathan Taylor will be hard-pressed to fill the void left by the NFL’s leading rusher. That’s the challenge of running a fantasy football team: Always be ready to shift the roster, whether they are because of byes or injuries.
Who should people start and who should they sit?
Achane has been on a roll and expect him to run through the depleted defense of the Washington Commanders. He the one “sure thing” on a Dolphin team that has been uncertain throughout the season. Expect more than 100 yards rushing and do not be shocked if Achane scores multiple touchdowns.
As if Jacoby Brissett needed another reason to throw to the Cardinals’ great tight end McBride, he will be without Marvin Harrison Jr. on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. The wideout had an appendictis and that means in a battle of tremendous tight ends with George Kittle, McBride will see plenty of targets.
The Cowboys’ defense will be out to honor the memory of their late teammate Marshawn Kneeland when they play the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. Emotions can be a powerful force. Add in that Geno Smith has specialized in throwing interceptions this season and a game sets up for the Dallas defense to have a huge game.
The rookie running back from USC has been a revelation an Texans team that been without Joe Mixon and has not gotten enough production from Nick Chubb. The Titans have a dependable defense but the offense is awful. That means Houston will wear down Tennessee with its ground game and Marks will gain plenty of yards.
Of all the possible receivers Justin Herbert has with the Bolts, McConkey has become his primary target. He’s on his way to becoming an All-Pro with hands that like glue and precise routes. Look for him to have a nice fantasy point game against the Jaguars.
The Cardinals had no luck stopping anyone in a Seattle uniform in Week 10. That sets up a great matchup for the great McCaffrey this Sunday. He’s incredibly talente — duh — and is a threat to build a healthy amount of points as a runner and a receiver. Expect the Niners to feel their back the ball over and over.
One can stymie the Eagles RB for most of the game and then he will pop a big play or two that will make him a fantasy god. Look for that and more against the Lions.
The way the Eagles’ defense shut down Jordan Love and the Packers on Monday should give pause to anyone thinking about using the Lions’ quarterback. Yes, Goff has a power-packed offense behind him but he might have to rely more on Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery than testing Philly’s pass defense.
The team was thrilled when Allen became the franchise’s all-time leading pass receiver in catches last week. Problem for fantasy folks is it came after the outcome was no longer in doubt. That’s because in addition to McConkey, Justin Herbert can pick and choose who to target. Allen has become less and less visible in recent weeks.
Yes, it would be a wonderful story if Winston started against the Packers and had a huge game. However, just look back at how Green Bay kept Jalen Hurts in check on Monday. That should translate into a lot of incompletions and interceptions at MetLife on Sunday.
Logic says that at some point Brown would be more involved with Philly’s offense. Trouble is Jalen Hurts relies more on DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. Add in the times the ball goes to Saquon Barkley and Brown does not complaining than receiving.
The reunion with Pete Carroll in Sin City will likely lead to the Silver and Black divorcing both the QB and coach.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: NFL Week 11 fantasy picks, from Christian McCaffrey to Saquon Barkley