We’re about a month away from the start of most fantasy football playoffs, and that makes every decision extra important. I have a pair of quarterbacks, a running back, wide receiver and defence/special teams owned in less than 50 per cent of leagues to target on your waiver wire for Week 11 in the NFL.
Remember to roster plan for the Bills, Bears, Giants and 49ers being on their byes. As always, ask me any fantasy questions on Twitter @AndyMc81 using #AskAndy
Jameis Winston, QB, Saints
Yahoo! League Ownership: 2%
Drew Brees is dealing with multiple fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, and will miss “some time” according to the Saints. Despite several unknowns on how the New Orleans offence plans to operate without Brees under centre, Jameis Winston is a smart pickup for those in need of quarterback help.
Is Taysom Hill going to vulture significant snaps from Winston or will there be a greater emphasis on the run to take the ball out of his hands? It’s a risk worth taking versus a gashable Falcons secondary. If “Famous Jameis” has learned to be safer with the football under Sean Payton’s tutelage then the upside of him chucking it to Michael Thomas is mouth-watering. Buckle up, this could be an exciting ride down on the bayou!
Kalen Ballage, RB, Chargers
Yahoo! League Ownership: 19%
Another oddity of the year 2020 is that Kalen Ballage is now fantasy relevant. I never thought I’d see the day, but due to teammate injury and strong performances in consecutive outings, the former Dolphin has taken control of the L.A. backfield. Ballage is the RB to own as Justin Jackson is on the I.R., Austin Ekeler is at least one more week away, and he’s out-touching both Joshua Kelley and Troymaine Pope.
The third-year Arizona State alum’s flashing dual-threat ability as an effective rusher and pass-catcher. Most valuable in PPR formats, Ballage is poised to build upon his 16.4 and 15.2 fantasy point efforts this Sunday against a Jets team that released him earlier this season. Trot K.B. out with confidence opposite winless New York.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts
Yahoo! League Ownership: 10%
While I don’t particularly trust Phil Rivers’ arm, it’s tough to deny the upward trend of Michael Pittman Jr. After missing three weeks due to injury, the rookie’s attracting the attention of his quarterback the past two games. A combined 11 receptions on 15 targets, and 157 yards during that stretch has him trending towards becoming Rivers’ favourite weapon.
T.Y. Hilton’s career is in steep decline, Zach Pascal is average, and that makes Pittman’s impressive size/speed blend even more important for the Colts’ aerial attack. A possible shootout with the Packers inside Lucas Oil Stadium makes the six-foot-four, 223-pounder extra attractive.
P.J. Walker, QB, Panthers
Yahoo! League Ownership: 0%
This Carolina Panthers’ quarterback situation will require close tracking throughout the practice week. Starter Teddy Bridgewater suffered an MCL sprain and is listed as questionable to face Detroit. A decision one way or the other should be known by Thursday at the latest.
If Bridgewater is unable to suit up, the option for signal-caller lands on the shoulders of either backup P.J. Walker or Will Grier. Walker would be my choice as a much more creative improviser with mobility and a strong arm. He shone pre-pandemic in the XFL by leading that league in passing yards and touchdowns, which helped land him this job in Carolina. Another advantage for the 25-year old is that Panthers head coach Matt Rhule also coached him in college at Temple.
I feel that Walker could be a surprise fantasy star in Week 11 against a beatable Lions defence if he’s given the chance.
Los Angeles Chargers Defense
Yahoo! League Ownership: 42%
Thank goodness the Jets are back from their bye. This makes streaming defences much easier as we can follow Adam Gase’s crew that’s averaging just 13.4 points per game. I know that Joe Flacco flashed last Monday for 263 yards through the air and three touchdowns. However, the Chargers are a much more polished ‘D’ right now than New England.
I’ll take my chances on Los Angeles at home battling a 0-9 franchise traveling cross country with nothing to play for. The Chargers have lost in remarkable fashion lately, but this should be a get right matchup on both sides of the ball.
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