WEEK 11 START ‘EM, SIT ‘EM

Week 10 Top Performers:

 

QB:

• Lamar Jackson – 15/17 attempts – 223 yards – 3 TD’s / 7 carries – 65 yards – 1 TD
• Daniel Jones – 36/40 attempts – 308 yards – 4 TD’s / 3 carries – 20 yards – 1 fumble
• Patrick Mahomes – 36/50 attempts – 446 yards – 3 TD’s
• Kyler Murray – 27/44 attempts – 324 yards – 3 TD’s – 1 INT / 3 carriers – 38 yards
• Dak Prescott – 28/46 attempts – 397 yards – 3 TD’s – 1 INT

RB:

• Derrick Henry – 23 carriers – 188 yards – 2 TD’s / 2 receptions – 3 yards
• Dalvin Cook – 26 carriers – 97 yards – 1 TD / 7 receptions – 86 yards
• Aaron Jones – 13 carries – 93 yards – 3 TD’s
• Christian McCaffrey – 20 carriers – 108 yards – 1 TD / 6 receptions – 33 yards – 1 fumble
• Melvin Gordon – 22 carries – 108 yards – 1 TD / 1 receptions – 25 yards

WR:

• Christian Kirk – 6 receptions – 138 yards – 3 TD’s
• Darius Slayton – 10 receptions – 121 yards – 2 TD’s
• Tyreek Hill – 11 receptions – 157 yards – 1 TD / 1 carry / 3 yards
• Amari Cooper – 11 receptions – 147 yards – 1 TD
• Michael Thomas – 13 receptions – 152 yards

TE:

• Mark Andrews – 6 receptions – 53 yards – 2 TD’s
• Kyle Rudolph – 4 receptions – 14 yards – 2 TD’s
• Travis Kelce – 7 receptions – 75 yards – 1 TD
• Jacob Hollister – 8 receptions – 62 yards – 1 TD
• Greg Olsen – 8 receptions – 98 yards

 

Criteria for the Start/Sit categories

Auto start players would be guys you don’t have to think twice about, guys that will be starters no matter the match up. Starters are players that are most likely in your lineups unless you have auto start players that can be played in their spot instead. Sit players are players I’m not playing in lineups based on the match up and other possible reasons.  I would not play these players in the sit category unless your options are limited. Don’t Sweat It players are players that are irrelevant at the moment, they should be nowhere near your starting lineups.

STEELERS @ BROWNS

 Auto Start: 

• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Nick Chubb

Start:

• Mason Rudolph
• James Washington
• Diontae Johnson
• Kareem Hunt

Sit: 

• Jaylen Samuels
• James Conner
• Vance McDonald
• Baker Mayfield
• Odell Beckham Jr.

Don’t Sweat It:

• Trey Edmonds
• Tony Brooks-James
• Antonio Callaway
• Rishard Higgins
• Demetrius Harris

Conclusion:

Things change quickly in the NFL.  It was ages ago when Donte Moncrief was pushing out James Washington for the WR2 spot on the Steelers. Now it’s a coin flip between Washington and Diontae Johnson. JuJu Smith-Schuster faced Jalen Ramsey last week so he gets the benefit of the doubt.  In addition, I’m tired of playing James Conner even when he’s healthy because it’s obvious any RB can succeed on this team.  For the Browns, it’s the same old, same old. The only interesting part about this offense is the run-game with the addition of Kareem Hunt. I was surprised last week how often they used him in the passing game and if they continue to do so, Hunt is a viable ppr starter. Also if you have to choose a receiver, Jarvis Landry looks to be the best play week-to-week despite how inconsistent Baker Mayfield has been in 2019.

COWBOYS @ LIONS

Auto Start:

• Ezekiel Elliot
• Amari Cooper
• Dak Prescott
• Kenny Golladay
• Marvin Jones Jr.

Start:

• Michael Gallup
• Matt Stafford (IF HEALTHY)

Sit: 

• Tony Pollard
• Randall Cobb
• Jason Witten
• Jeff Driskel
• J.D. McKissic
• Ty Johnson
• Danny Amendola
• T.J. Hockensen

Don’t Sweat It:

• Tavon Austin
• Blake Jarwin

Conclusion:

I love this game for the Cowboys but hate this game for the Staffordless Lions. Ezekiel Elliot disappointed last week but fortunately for him the Lions give up the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing RB’s.  On the receiving end, Amari Cooper is currently WR3 in fantasy despite being banged up here and there so he deserves an easy auto-start.  It’s an easy week to play your Cowboys here, the script favors all. For the Lions, Jeff Driskel will drag down this offense and that’s obvious. Last week, Kenny Golladay got the touchdown to save the fantasy day however, this week it could easily be Marvin Jones Jr. and against the Cowboys, I like them both.

JAGUARS @ COLTS

Auto Start:

• Leonard Fournette
• D.J. Chark
• Marlon Mack

Start:

• Nick Foles
• Dede Westbrook
• T.Y. HIlton (START IF HEALTHY)
• Eric Ebron

Sit:

• Keelan Cole
• Ryquell Armstead
• Chris Conley
• Jacoby Brissett
• Brian Hoyer
• Chester Rogers
• Zach Pascal

Don’t Sweat It:

• Gardner Minshew II
• Josh Oliver
• Jordan Wilkins
• Nyheim Hines

Conclusion:

Nick Foles is BACK. The question is, what happens to the wide receivers? I don’t think it matters for DJ Chark as I believe his dominant season will continue however, keep your eyes on Dede Westbrook he could pop off under a better quarterback who I believe is better than Gardner Minshew. I don’t need to say much about Leonard Fournette he just needs to find the end zone and I think most owners would agree. For the Colts, the offense is destroyed with injuries and without Jacoby Brissett I’m avoiding all players except for Marlon Mack and Eric Ebron who had 12 targets last week as their receiving safety valve.

BILLS @ DOLPHINS

Auto Start:

• John Brown

Start:

• Josh Allen
• Devin Singletary
• Cole Beasley
• DeVante Parker

Sit:

• Frank Gore
• Robert Foster
• Isaiah McKenzie
• Dawson Knox

Don’t Sweat It:

• None

Conclusion:

Whoa this may be the first time I’m not telling you to SIT ALL DOLPHINS.  That’s because DeVante Parker actually hasn’t been half bad.  WR34 in fantasy isn’t great but it’s playable, he’s averaging 9.7 ppg which at the very least is a flex start.  For the Bills, John Brown has been the best fantasy option, Devin Singletary as the lead back will get plenty of opportunity, and Josh Allen is QB11 on the year and gets the worst defense in the NFL.  Play the usual and move on.

BRONCOS @ VIKINGS

Auto Start:

• Courtland Sutton
• Dalvin Cook

Start:

• Phillip Lindsay

Sit:

• Royce Freeman
• Daesean Hamilton
• Noah Fant
• Kirk Cousins
• Alexander Mattison
• Stefon Diggs
• Adam Thielen (START IF HEALTHY)
• Kyle Rudolph
• Irv Smith Jr.

Don’t Sweat It:

• Brandon Allen

Conclusion:

Believe it or not the Broncos aren’t out of the playoff hunt if they win the AFC West.  However, I’m going to bury my optimism because without a competent quarterback they don’t stand a chance.  That being said, I only like Courtland Sutton and Phillip Lindsay this week, they’ve been the only reliable fantasy options on the Broncos.  For the Vikings, you can see I’m sitting almost everyone on the Vikings offense. That’s because Denver only gives up 26.49 ppg to WR’s and 11.78 ppg to opposing QB’s.  Dalvin Cook is the exception because he has been phenomenal in 2019 and never not playable.  

SAINTS @ BUCCANEERS

Auto Start:

• Drew Brees
• Alvin Kamara
• Michael Thomas
• Mike Evans
• Chris Godwin

Start:

• Jared Cook
• Jameis Winston

Sit:

• Latavius Murray
• Tre’Quan Smith
• Ted Ginn Jr.
• Peyton Barber
• Ronald Jones II
• Breshad Perriman
• O.J. Howard

Don’t Sweat It:

• Taysom Hill

Conclusion:

I  guessed Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara would’ve done more last week against the Falcons but I doubt they whiff against the Bucs in Week 11.  There’s plenty of fantasy points to be had in this match up with the amount of talent on both offenses.  Michael Thomas has been the most consistent receiver in fantasy and currently sits above all else as the WR1.  Other than these three you can take a shot at Jared Cook this week against the 31st ranked defense against opposing TE’s.  For the Bucs, Ronald Jones Jr. continues to trend upwards on this offense however, the Saints are the 4th best defense against opposing running backs in fantasy. Furthermore, you’re going to play Mike Evans, you’re going to play Chris Godwin, and yes you should still be playing Jameis Winston.

JETS @ REDSKINS

Auto Start:

• Le’Veon Bell

Start:

• Jamison Crowder
• Derrius Guice
• Terry McLaurin

Sit:

• Sam Darnold
• Demaryius Thomas
• Robby Anderson
• Ryan Griffin
• Dwayne Haskins
• Adrian Peterson
• Paul Richardson Jr.

Don’t Sweat It:

• Chris Herndon (INJURED)

Conclusion:

2nd worst match up of the week but what’s even more disappointing is not having Chris Herndon for the rest of the season.  That being said, Le’Veon Bell is giving owners just enough to stay relevant week-to-week. If only he could find the end zone a few more times but that would require the offense to actually move the ball down the field into the red zone. Jamison Crowder should be a great play this week as well with the Redskins giving up 36.14 ppg to opposing WR’s every week.  For the Redskins, Derrius Guice is back!  The guy is good he just needs to stay healthy for once. I predict Guice to help win fantasy gamers their leagues as he’s most likely still on your waivers and will give Washington a passing option out of the backfield.  Fire up your Terry McLaurin shares this week as well.  With his first favorable match up in the past few weeks and the Jets giving up the 2nd most points to opposing WR’s, he should already be in your lineups.

FALCONS @ PANTHERS

Auto Start:

• Julio Jones
• Christian McCaffrey

Start:

• Brian Hill
• Kyle Allen
• Curtis Samuel
• D.J. Moore
• Greg Olsen

Sit:

• Matt Ryan
• Calvin Ridley
• Jarius Wright

Don’t Sweat It:

• Devonta Freeman (INJURED)
• Russell Gage
• Austin Hooper (INJURED)

Conclusion:

So Julio Jones hasn’t had a touchdown in 6 weeks and it’s unfortunate that a player of his caliber goes through these scoring droughts.  Despite the touchdown regression he will always be automatic in our hearts and our lineups. Brian Hill is now the primary back in Atlanta pulling in 20 carries in last weeks match up. You should flex him if you can because he only needs to find the end zone once to make owners happy.  In addition, I’m not playing any other Falcons as the Panthers defense at home against a mediocre offense doesn’t make me feel confident about any other options. For the Panthers it’s fairly easy, play them all.  Last week was a fluke for the Falcons against the Saints and I don’t think they’ll be able to contain the offensive force the Panthers bring to the table.

TEXANS @ RAVENS

Auto Start:

• Deshaun Watson
• DeAndre Hopkins
• Lamar Jackson
• Mark Andrews

Start:

• Carlos Hyde
• Marquise Brown
• Mark Ingram II

Sit:

• Duke Johnson
• Kenny Stills
• Will Fuller V
• Darren Fells
• Jordan Akins
• Gus Edwards
• Nick Boyle

Don’t Sweat It:

• Willie Snead IV
• Hayden Hurst

Conclusion:

There are goodies in this match up everywhere so let’s focus on who not to play. For the Texans I’m not playing Will Fuller V fresh off his injury and Kenny Stills hasn’t “instilled” enough confidence in me to WANT to play him. See what I did there? Duke Johnson is in the same boat too and with how sneaky good Carlos Hyde has been this year, I’ve already moved on. For the Ravens, there isn’t much to talk about with the hottest team in football.  Gus Edwards isn’t going to ever touch our lineups and neither is Nick Boyle.  I’m really excited for this game with two of the league’s best QB’s going head-to-head. Buckle up it should be a good one.

CARDINALS @ 49ERS

Auto Start:

• Kyler Murray

Start: 

• Christian Kirk
• Tevin Coleman
• Deebo Samuel

Sit:

• David Johnson
• Kenyan Drake
• Andy Isabella
• Larry Fitzgerald
• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Emmanuel Sanders (START IF HEALTHY)
• George Kittle (START IF HEALTHY)

Don’t Sweat It: 

• Pharoh Cooper
• Raheem Mostert
• Kendrick Bourne

Conclusion:

That Murray-Kirk connection last week looked real nice didn’t it? Two weeks ago against the 49ers that connection ceased to exist.  However, I’m staying in the flames on this one and chasing last weeks points. For the 49ers, if Emmanuel Sanders plays he could be in for a huge week against a defense that gives up 38.89 ppg to opposing WR’s.  That being said, I don’t believe in Jimmy Garoppolo who looked very inexperienced against an average Seahawks defense.  Be careful starting him while his receiving options are hurt and not playing.  There’s not much left to throw to until his stars return.

BENGALS @ RAIDERS

Auto Start:

• Joe Mixon
• Josh Jacobs
• Darren Waller

Start:

• Tyler Boyd
• Derek Carr
• Tyrell Williams
• Hunter Renfrow

Sit:

• Auden Tate
• Zay Jones

Don’t Sweat It:

• Ryan Finley
• Jalen Richard

Conclusion:

I’m finally back to starting Joe Mixon in a game most probably wouldn’t.  However, the game script could prove to work in his favor against a Raiders team most can’t decide if they’re good or not.  I know Tyler Boyd hasn’t given you many big weeks but it’s to be expected with the current roster on offense. He’s still averaging 10.3 ppg and I think you have to continue starting him in your flex at the very least.  For the Raiders, Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller are always going to be starting but the question is who do you start at WR?  I don’t know what happened to Tyrell Williams but this would be the week he bounces back and I don’t mind throwing a dart at Hunter Renfrow either.  He’s caught 2 touchdowns in the past 3 weeks with 40 or more yards to go along with.  

PATRIOTS @ EAGLES

Auto Start:

• Julian Edelman
• Zach Ertz

Start:

• Sony Michel
• James White
• Mohamed Sanu

Sit:

• Tom Brady
• Carson Wentz
• Jordan Howard
• Miles Sanders
• Alshon Jeffery
• Nelson Agholor
• DeSean Jackson
• Dallas Goedert

Don’t Sweat It:

• Rex Burkhead
• Ben Watson

Conclusion:

The Patriots are back off their bye week and I’m starting everyone except for Tom Brady against a defense that has been middle of the pack all year long.  Most members of the Patriots offense have been at least playable and I don’t expect that to change against the Eagles.  Speaking of Philadelphia, Zach Ertz is the only weapon I trust against the Patriots defense.  Don’t overthink this match up and play the guys that should be played, it’s definitely favoring the Pats.

BEARS @ RAMS

Auto Start:

• Allen Robinson II

Start:

• Cooper Kupp
• Robert Woods
• Gerald Everett

Sit:

• Mitchell Trubisky
• David Montgomery
• Tarik Cohen
• Taylor Gabriel
• Anthony Miller
• Jared Goff
• Todd Gurley
• Josh Reynolds

Don’t Sweat It:

• Trey Burton
• Malcolm Brown
• Darrell Henderson Jr.
• Brandin Cooks (INJURED)

Conclusion:

This game is very similar to the Pats vs. Eagles match up.  You have two teams with solid defenses and only a few players to put into your lineups.  With how bad Chicago’s offense is Allen Robinson is the only diamond in the rough and that’s how it will be the rest of the year.  For the Rams, I’m trusting the pass catchers and not the running backs. It could still be dangerous to start Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, and Gerald Everett with how bad Jared Goff has been.  It should be known the Rams are in trouble and it feels like they’ve gone all in on cornerstone positions.  It’s weird to say it but this game could go either way.

CHIEFS @ CHARGERS

Auto Start:

• Patrick Mahomes
• Tyreek Hill
• Travis Kelce
• Melvin Gordon

Start:

• Damien Williams
• Keenan Allen
• Hunter Henry

Sit:

• Sammy Watkins
• Mecole Hardman
• Demarcus Robinson
• Phillip Rivers
• Austin Ekeler
• Mike Williams

Don’t Sweat It:

• Darrel Williams

Conclusion:

There’s no way the Chiefs blow this game right? Maybe I just can’t stand the Chargers but this game has the potential to provide us with a goldmine of points. I’m really only concerned about Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman for the Chiefs.  Between those two it could be either ones day to score which is why I’m benching both.  For the Chargers, I’m avoiding Phillip Rivers because he hasn’t played great and while playing from behind, I’m expecting a few turnovers with how well the Chiefs pressure opposing QB’s.  In addition, Austin Ekeler time is over with Melvin Gordon shedding off the rust, sell while you can.

  

For more content check out the Tuddy Talk podcast on Soundcloud by clicking the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/1jsnewby/tracks