Week 11 Top Performers:

 

QB:

  • Josh Allen – 21/33 attempts – 256 yards – 3 TD’s / 7 carries – 56 yards – 1 TD
  • Lamar Jackson – 17/24 attempts – 222 yards – 4 TD’s / 9 carries – 86 yards
  • Jimmy Garappolo – 34/45 attempts – 424 yards – 4 TD’s – 2 INT’s / 1 carry – 7 yards
  • Dak Prescott – 29/46 attempts – 444 yards – 3 TD’s / 6 carries – 18 yards
  • Jeff Driskel – 15/26 attempts – 209 yards – 2 TD’s / 8 carries – 51 yards – 1 TD

RB:

  • Christian McCaffrey – 14 carries – 70 yards / 11 receptions – 121 yards
  • Mark Ingram – 13 carries – 48 yards / 3 receptions – 37 yards – 2 TD’s
  • Todd Gurley – 25 carries – 97 yards – 1 TD / 3 receptions – 36 yards – 1 TD – 1 Fumble
  • Ezekiel Elliott – 16 carries – 45 yards  – 1 TD / 2 receptions – 28 yards – 1 TD – 1 Fumble
  • Alvin Kamara – 13 carries – 75 yards / 10 receptions – 47 yards – 1 Fumble

WR:

  • John Brown – 9 receptions – 137 yards – 2 TD’s
  • D.J. Chark – 8 receptions – 104 yards – 2 TD’s
  • Calvin Ridley – 8 receptions 143 yards – 1 TD
  • Michael Thomas – 8 receptions – 114 yards – 1 TD
  • Stefon Diggs – 5 receptions – 121 yards – 1 TD

TE:

  • Ryan Griffin – 5 receptions – 109 yards – 1 TD
  • Travis Kelce – 7 receptions – 92 yards –  1 TD
  • Mark Andrews – 4 receptions – 75 yards – 1 TD
  • Ross Dwelley – 4 receptions – 14 yards – 2 TD’s
  • Kyle Rudolph – 5 receptions – 67 yards – 1 TD

 

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 matchup. 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 matchup 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.

 

COLTS @ TEXANS

Auto Start:

  • Jacoby Brissett
  • Deshaun Watson
  • DeAndre Hopkins

Start:

  • T.Y. Hilton (START IF HEALTHY)
  • Carlos Hyde

Sit:

  • Jonathon Williams
  • Nyheim Hines
  • Parris Campbell
  • Chester Rogers
  • Zach Pascal
  • Eric Ebron (INJURED)
  • Jack Doyle
  • Duke Johnson
  • Kenny Stills 
  • Keke Coutee
  • Darren Fells

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Marlon Mack
  • Jordan Wilkins
  • Jordan Akins

Conclusion:

Watching the Texans get routed by Lamar Jackson and company was a feat to behold. I’m going with my instincts on this one and have decided to start Jacoby Brissett against a defense that apparently can’t stop anyone.  If TY Hilton comes back this week, which he seems to be trending towards, could end up being huge for an offense that now lacks a running game with Marlon Mack out. I’m not buying into the Jonathon Williams hype as fill-in back-up running backs have very much underperformed in 2019, so it’s a no from me.  For the Texans, it comes down to three players that have been able to maintain value all year long. Those guys are Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, and Carlos Hyde.  No one else on this offense has proven themselves to produce consistent fantasy points except for an occasional Darren Fells appearance which is unlikely in Week 12.

BUCCANEERS @ FALCONS

Auto Start:

  • Mike Evans
  • Chris Godwin
  • Matt Ryan
  • Julio Jones
  • Calvin Ridley

Start:

  • Jameis Winston
  • Ronald Jones II

Sit:

  • Peyton Barber
  • Breshad Perriman
  • O.J. Howard
  • Brian Hill

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Kenjon Barner
  • Russell Gage
  • Justin Hardy
  • Austin Hooper (INJURED)

Conclusion:

One of the few enticing fantasy matchups of the week from two bottom-half teams with high powered offenses.  Sure, Jameis Winston hasn’t been great but he still supplies Chris Godwin and Mike Evans with enough points to get by. Unfortunately, at times, he can only support one of his two top 10 receivers and last week that was Chris Godwin.  This week, Winston should be able to catch a break against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. If you own anyone on the Bucs offense, start them, anyone but besides O.J. Howard of course.  For the Falcons, it’s the usual, Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley. Austin Hooper is still injured as well as Devonta Freeman so no need to worry there. Ignore using Brian Hill, he’s another one of the underwhelming back-up running backs in 2019.

BRONCOS @ BILLS

Auto Start:

  • Josh Allen

Start:

  • Phillip Lindsay
  • John Brown

Sit:

  • Royce Freeman
  • Courtland Sutton
  • Daesean Hamilton
  • Tim Patrick
  • Noah Fant
  • Devin Singletary & Frank Gore
  • Cole Beasley
  • Dawson Knox

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Brandon Allen

Conclusion:

My poor Broncos, it’s officially over and to be honest I should have expected this.  Had we beaten the Vikings (we should have) I would’ve had some faith in the direction of this team.  The only positive thing I enjoy out this offense is Courtland Sutton.  On this week’s podcast I told everyone to sit Sutton due to the Tre’davious White shadow coverage he will most likely be getting and I’m sticking to my guns, unfortunately.  Phillip Lindsay, on the other hand, deserves a start with the amount of attention head coach Vic Fangio is pushing towards his direction. Against a Bills defense that’s weak against the run, I believe we can chalk Mr. Lindsay up for a hot fantasy start this week. For the Bills, it’s quick and simple, it’s the Josh Allen and John Brown show as it’s been all year long.  I told you earlier this year, John Brown is the guy to own in this BIlls passing offense.

GIANTS @ BEARS

Auto Start:

  • Allen Robinson II
  • Saquon Barkley

Start:

  • Golden Tate

Sit:

  • Mitchell Trubisky
  • David Montgomery
  • Tarik Cohen
  • Taylor Gabriel
  • Anthony Miller
  • Daniel Jones
  • Sterling Shepard (POSSIBLY INJURED)
  • Darius Slayton
  • Evan Engram (POSSIBLY INJURED)

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Trey Burton
  • Wayne Gallman
  • Bennie Fowler

Conclusion:

This week doesn’t make me feel good. It’s going to be one of those weeks where the majority of matchups are gross but the best players will get the job done.  That being said, even if Saquon Barkley plays against the Bears, it won’t be pretty, especially with his injury possibly lingering from Week 10.  Golden Tate, on the other hand, has been better than expected and after last week he deserves a spot in lineups being that he’s the only reliable piece of the passing offense at the moment.  That’s it for the Giants and it should be pretty clear that this Bears defense, even if it has taken a slight step back, is still a top defense in the league. On the other side of the ball, the Bears offense has been so far below par that I’m only confident in playing Allen Robinson.  I wish I had more to give you but as you can see, my opinion is fairly justified.

STEELERS @ BENGALS

 Auto Start: 

  • Joe Mixon

Start:

  • Mason Rudolph
  • Jaylen Samuels
  • James Washington

Sit: 

  • James Conner (INJURED)
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster (INJURED)
  • Diontae Johnson
  • Vance McDonald
  • Ryan Finley
  • Tyler Boyd
  • Auden Tate (INJURED)

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Trey Edmonds
  • Tyler Eifert

Conclusion:

What a wild night Week 11 was in the Steelers-Browns game. Who would have thought we’d get to see another man use a helmet as a weapon on live television? Not me. Hopefully Myles Garrett knocked some sense into Mason Rudolph because if there was any week to start the 2nd year QB, this would be the week.  As for his pass-catchers, you’re going to have to roll the dice. I’d prefer to sit them all but if I had to choose one I’d lean towards James Washington being that he’s one of the only WR’s that’s 100 percent.  Jaylen Samuels is also a safe play with the volume that he’s going to be receiving this week with James Conner most likely out.  For the Bengals, Joe Mixon has gotten hot as of late, making him the only Bengal I’m playing in Week 12. That being said, you won’t catch me tuning into this matchup despite the divisional rivals going head-to-head.  

DOLPHINS @ BROWNS

 Auto Start: 

  • Nick Chubb
  • Jarvis Landry

Start:

  • Baker Mayfield
  • Kareem Hunt
  • DeVante Parker

Sit: 

  • Odell Beckham Jr.
  • David Njoku
  • ALL OTHER DOLPHINS

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Rishard Higgins
  • Demetrius Harris
  • Patrick Laird

Conclusion:

We don’t need to do this again with the Dolphins, do we? I won’t, so let’s go over the ever so disappointing Browns.  Reality has struck Odell Beckham Jr. owners and that realization is that Jarvis Landry is the #1 in Cleveland.  I’m not worried about Nick Chubb that much but it does appear that Kareem Hunt will be the passing catching back so keep that in mind.  As for everyone else, I’m looking at you Baker Mayfield, sit them.  This offense can barely keep 2.5 players afloat.

PANTHERS @ SAINTS

Auto Start:

  • Christian McCaffrey
  • Michael Thomas
  • Alvin Kamara

Start:

  • Curtis Samuel
  • D.J. Moore
  • Greg Olsen

Sit:

  • Kyle Allen
  • Drew Brees
  • Latavius Murray
  • Ted Ginn Jr.
  • Jared Cook

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Jarius Wright
  • Taysom Hill

Conclusion:

To me, this matchup is relatively easy. Both defenses are middle of the road and not strong enough to hold me back from wanting to sit any of these teams’ best offensive players.  So, for the Panthers, Christian McCaffery is matchup proof, end of story. It’s been ugly under Kyle Allen the last two weeks and that’s hurt the receivers but no matter what, the Panthers will have to throw the ball as they most likely will be playing from behind on the road. That being said, I will continue to start D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel.  For the Saints, there’s no one else besides Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara to play on rosters.  Put the done-chain on Drew Brees there are obvious signs of that he’s fading due to his age but he’s not alone.  Phillip Rivers, Tom Brady, and Ben Roethlisberger are right behind him.

RAIDERS @ JETS

Auto Start:

  • Josh Jacobs
  • Darren Waller
  • Le’Veon Bell

Start:

  • Derek Carr
  • Tyrell Williams
  • Hunter Renfrow
  • Sam Darnold
  • Jamison Crowder
  • Ryan Griffin

Sit:

  • Zay Jones
  • Robby Anderson
  • Demaryius Thomas

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Jalen Richard
  • Foster Moreau
  • Bilal Powell

Conclusion:

I hate this game so much, I don’t even want to bother dealing with this. However, I have to.  For the Raiders, it’s been the Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs show in Oakland.  Even Derek Carr has impressed with consistent play and given owners a safe floor at QB. In addition, Hunter Renfrow has given Carr another pass option the last two weeks so keep that in mind if you’re in a bye week conundrum and need a guy to plugin. For the Jets, Sam Darnold is coming off a 4 touchdown performance and could repeat with a similar performance against a defense that allows the 7th most points to opposing QB’s.  Le’Veon Bell, currently RB15 in fantasy, has found the endzone two weeks in a row and may find himself there again in Week 12. Lastly, let’s not forget about Jamison Crowder and Ryan Griffin who have unhitched the wagon on a stale offense.

LIONS @ REDSKINS

Auto Start:

  • Kenny Golladay
  • Marvin Jones Jr.
  • Derrius Guice

Start:

  • Jeff Driskel
  • Bo Scarbrough
  • Terry McLaurin

Sit: 

  • Matt Stafford
  • Ty Johnson
  • Danny Amendola
  • T.J. Hockensen
  • Dwayne Haskins
  • Adrian Peterson
  • Chris Thompson
  • Kelvin Harmon

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Trey Quinn
  • Jeremy Sprinkle

Conclusion:

The Lions are very frustrating following the injury to Matthew Stafford and I think most of the Kenny Golladay owners would agree.  With Jeff Driskel at quarterback there just hasn’t been the same amount of quality targets going towards Golladay’s way. However, Marvin Jones Jr. seems to be doing just fine as he now finds himself averaging the same amount of points as his teammate.  For the Redskins, fire up your Derrius Guice shares you may have been stashing and with Detroit giving up the most points to opposing running backs in the NFL I can’t find a reason not to start him. Chris Thompson isn’t back and with Adrian Peterson not being 100 percent, don’t be surprised if Guice sees more action on Sunday.  Oh, I almost forgot about Terry McLaurin.  Now that he’s out of his tough matchup stretch he belongs back in lineups. It’s only a matter of time before we seem him creep back into the top 20.

SEAHAWKS @ EAGLES

Auto Start:

  • Russell Wilson
  • Tyler Lockett
  • Chris Carson
  • Zach Ertz

Start:

  • Miles Sanders
  • DK Metcalf
  • Jacob Hollister

Sit:

  • Carson Wentz
  • Jordan Howard
  • Alshon Jeffery
  • Nelson Agholor
  • DeSean Jackson
  • Dallas Goedert
  • Josh Gordon

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Rashaad Penny
  • David Moore
  • Jaron Brown

Conclusion:

I don’t see this game going well for Eagles even if they’re at home.  The point being, the Seahawks are a top 5 team in the NFL even with a defense that’s still trying to find themselves.  Russell Wilson should be the top candidate for MVP who is, at the moment, doing the most with the least.  Tyler Lockett has been a big help and should be available despite getting injured early in last week’s matchup.  Chris Carson is still exceeding expectations as well as D.K. Metcalf which should continue against a defense that continues to struggle against the pass.  For the Eagles, Zach Ertz hasn’t quite been himself but still good enough to be a top 5 TE in fantasy and I’m taking a shot at Miles Sanders this week especially if Jordan Howard is unable to play.  Lastly, Carson Wentz may be QB15 on the year but unfortunately for him, he hasn’t eclipsed 300 yards in 4 of his last 5 games.

JAGUARS @ TITANS

Auto Start:

  • Leonard Fournette
  • D.J. Chark
  • Derrick Henry

Start:

  • Nick Foles

Sit:

  • Dede Westbrook
  • Keelan Cole
  • Ryquell Armstead
  • Ryan Tannehill
  • A.J. Brown
  • Corey Davis
  • Adam Humphries
  • Jonnu Smith

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Gardner Minshew II
  • Josh Oliver

Conclusion:

It kind of seemed like the Jaguars last week wanted to make sure Nick Foles could still throw the ball given that he threw 47 times.  On top of that Leonard Fournette hasn’t scored a TD since Week 5.  So what do we do here? You play them both, it can’t go on for much longer and this is one of those games that has the potential for Fournette’s 2nd TD on the year. In addition, D.J. Chark is always going to start from this point forward especially if Foles goes on throwing 40 plus times per game.  For the Titans, Derrick Henry fresh off of his bye week should be able to raise hell against a defense that allows 9th most points to opposing running backs.  Outside of him, I’m out, there’s simply no consistency at WR in Tennessee. 

COWBOYS @ PATRIOTS

Auto Start:

  • Ezekiel Elliott

Start:

 

  • Michael Gallup

 

  • James White
  • Julian Edelman

Sit: 

  • Dak Prescott
  • Tony Pollard
  • Amari Cooper
  • Randall Cobb
  • Jason Witten
  • Tom Brady
  • Sony Michel
  • Mohamed Sanu
  • Phillip Dorsett
  • N’keal Harry

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Tavon Austin
  • Blake Jarwin
  • Rex Burkhead
  • Ben Watson

Conclusion:

Love the game, hate the fantasy matchup.  In big games, Dak Prescott occasionally gets the yips and against possibly the greatest defense of all time (up for discussion), this could be one of those games on the road Dak can’t handle.  Ezekiel Elliott, similar to Christian McCaffrey, is matchup-proof as the Cowboys will most likely lean on him in Week 12. For the Patriots, Sony Michel’s degenerative knee issue is starting to show as he hasn’t eclipsed 100 yards rushing once this season.  Being that James White, is the only one involved in the passing game, I’m out on Michel for the rest of the season, there’s just not enough upside.  Mohamed Sanu popped up on the injury report but even if healthy, Julian Edelman is the only receiving option I’m confident in starting despite an underperforming Tom Brady. I can’t wait to watch this game but it could be ugly for fantasy.

PACKERS @ 49ERS

Auto Start:

  • Aaron Rodgers
  • Davante Adams

Start: 

  • Tevin Coleman
  • Deebo Samuel
  • Aaron Jones

Sit:

  • Jimmy Garoppolo
  • Matt Breida
  • Emmanuel Sanders (START IF HEALTHY)
  • George Kittle (START IF HEALTHY)
  • Jamaal Williams
  • Allen Lazard
  • Marquez Valdes-Scantling
  • Jimmy Graham

Don’t Sweat It: 

  • Raheem Mostert
  • Kendrick Bourne
  • Jake Kumerow
  • Geronimo Allison

Conclusion:

49ers may be in trouble.  Their injury-riddled offense is struggling which doesn’t help out the defense whatsoever. That being said, I’m starting the only three fantasy options that matter for the Packers despite the matchup.  Aaron Rodgers looks to be back in form, Aaron Jones is finding the endzone multiple times a game, and Davante Adams is still one of the league’s best WR’s.  I would never tell you to sit Adams as long as Rodgers is throwing the ball and that’s that. For the 49ers, Deebo Samuel is an up and coming rookie proving himself to be a valuable asset to an offense that’s struggling to stay healthy.  With Matt Breida out, it’s the Tevin Coleman show once again and against an overrated defense, Coleman becomes an easy start for Week 12.

RAVENS @ RAMS

Auto Start:

  • Lamar Jackson
  • Mark Andrews

Start:

  • Mark Ingram
  • Marquise Brown
  • Todd Gurley

Sit:

  • Gus Edwards
  • Nick Boyle
  • Jared Goff
  • Brandin Cooks
  • Cooper Kupp
  • Robert Woods
  • Gerald Everett

Don’t Sweat It:

  • Justice Hill
  • Willie Snead IV
  • Hayden Hurst
  • Malcolm Brown
  • Josh Reynolds

Conclusion:

This matchup, in my opinion, was the easiest one to decipher.  Play Lamar Jackson, play Mark Andrews, play Mark Ingram, and play Marquise Brown, I didn’t even need to think twice about it, especially now that they are considered the NFL’s best offense. For the Rams, I don’t think there’s much to talk about and I can’t believe I’m saying this but SIT ALL RAMS EXCEPT Todd Gurley. Jared Goff is bad and it’s even starting to kill Cooper Kupp’s production. They made it easy for us on this one, don’t overthink it.  

 

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

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

More about: