Week 11 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Projecting Stats for Top 10 Players at Each Position
It's almost time for the weekend, folks. For many people, this means it's time for rest, relaxation and, of course, football. For those of us perpetually laboring in the football world, though, it's time for the work to ramp up.
Fantasy football enthusiasts also have some work ahead of themāhowever much you consider clicking the "confirm" tab work, anyway. Week 11 is officially underway, and the fantasy playoffs are right around the corner.
We're here to help make that fantasy work a little easier with our Week 11 rankings and stat projections. We'll run down the top 10 players at each position and make our predictions for their Week 11 stat lines. We'll also examine some players who don't make the cut and who don't deserve a spot in your starting lineup.
All rankings and projections are based on factors like past performances, matchups and player health.
Quarterbacks
| 1 | Ben Roethlisberger, PIT | 390 YDS, 3 TDs | Start |
| 2 | Andrew Luck, IND | 350 YDS, 3 TDs | Start |
| 3 | Marcus Mariota, TEN | 280 YDS, 2 TDs, 50 Rush YDS | Start |
| 4 | Tom Brady, NE | 320 YDS, 2 TDs | Start |
| 5 | Matthew Stafford, DET | 300 YDS, 2 TDs | Start |
| 6 | Kirk Cousins, WAS | 280 YDS, 2 TDs | Start |
| 7 | Aaron Rodgers, GB | 280 YDS, 2 TDs, INT | Start |
| 8 | Eli Manning, NYG | 270 YDS, 2 TDs | Start |
| 9 | Tyrod Taylor, BUF | 230 YDS, TD, 30 Rush YDS, TD | Start |
| 10 | Derek Carr, OAK | 260 YDS, 2 TDs | Start |
| * | Cody Kessler, CLE | 240 YDS, TD, INT | Sit |
| * | Colin Kaepernick, SF | 180 YDS, TD, 2 INT, 30 Rush YDS | Sit |
| * | Brock Osweiler, HOU | 170 YDS, TD, 2 INT | Sit |
Start 'Em: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have now lost four games in a row, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger isn't happy about it.
"We are undisciplined and not accountable," Roethlisberger said about his team's latest loss to the Dallas Cowboys, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. "That's why [the Cowboys] are one of the best in the business and we're not right now."
Expect Roethlisberger and the Steelers to take out their frustrations on the woeful Cleveland Browns this Sunday. The 0-10 Browns have one of the league's worst defenses (30.1 points per game allowed) and are rated just 29th in pass coverage by Pro Football Focus.
The Cowboys are rated second in pass coverage, and Roethlisberger torched Dallas for 408 yards and three touchdowns. His numbers may be slightly lower this week due to Cleveland winter weather, but they should still be fantastic for fantasy owners.
Sit 'Em: Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans
Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler hasn't resembled a reliable fantasy starter this season, but you might be tempted to play him against a so-so Oakland Raiders defense. The Raiders are allowing an average of 283.2 yards per game through the air (30th in the NFL) and are rated 16th in pass coverage.
However, we'd recommend ignoring the matchup here and ignoring Osweiler as well when it comes to your fantasy lineup.
Osweiler has failed to reach 200 yards passing in five of his nine games this season, including each of the past three. Last week, he couldn't even reach 100 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Week 8, he managed to produce just 186 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Detroit Lions.
Detroit is rated just 25th in pass coverage.
Osweiler may have a good game against the Raiders, but a good game for him isn't necessarily a good game in the fantasy world. You're better off looking elsewhere.
Running Backs
| 1 | Le'Veon Bell, PIT | 110 YDS, TD, 6 REC, 66 YDS, TD | Start |
| 2 | Spencer Ware, KC | 95 YDS, TD, 4 REC, 48 YDS | Start |
| 3 | LeSean McCoy, BUF | 110 YDS, TD, 2 REC, 29 YDS | Start |
| 4 | DeMarco Murray, TEN | 92 YDS, TD, 3 REC, 38 YDS | Start |
| 5 | David Johnson, ARI | 95 YDS, TD, 2 REC, 27 YDS | Start |
| 6 | Theo Riddick, DET | 50 YDS, 4 REC, 30 YDS, TD | Start |
| 7 | LeGarrette Blount, NE | 120 YDS, TD | Start |
| 8 | Ezekiel Elliott, DAL | 80 YDS, TD, 2 REC, 18 YDS | Start |
| 9 | Frank Gore, IND | 70 YDS, TD, 2 REC, 30 YDS | Start |
| 10 | C.J. Prosise, SEA | 45 YDS, 6 REC, 72 YDS | Start |
| * | Ryan Mathews, PHI | 48 YDS, 2 REC, 17 YDS | Sit |
| * | Matt Asiata, MIN | 29 YDS, REC, 7 YDS | Sit |
| * | Peyton Barber, TB | 37 YDS | Sit |
Start 'Em: Spencer Ware, Kansas City Chiefs
If you haven't been paying attention to the Kansas City Chiefs this seasonāand based on the scant amount of fanfare the 7-2 team has received, you're probably notāyou might have missed the fact that Spencer Ware is a talented back.
Through eight games, he has amassed 572 yards rushing, 20 receptions, 324 yards receiving and three touchdowns. This means Ware averages roughly 72 yards rushing, three receptions and 40 yards receiving per game.
This week, Ware goes up against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rated last in run defense, allowing an average of 118.3 yards per game on the ground.
Even though the Chicago Bears fell behind early in last week's 36-10 loss to Tampa, Jordan Howard still managed to produce 100 yards rushing on 15 carries.
Ware could be in store for a huge day.
Sit 'Em: Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
The Seattle Seahawks are darn good at defending the run. Seattle is rated second overall in run defense, allowing just 96.8 yards rushing per game.
This is part of the reason why Ryan Mathews' big Week 10 performance shouldn't move you. The Philadelphia Eagles back rushed for 109 yards, caught two passes for 30 yards and scored twice. However, he isn't in line for a repeat performance against the Seattle defense.
Actually, we're not convinced Mathews would have another star outing regardless of the opposition. Last week was Mathews' first 100-yard rushing performance of the year and marked just the second time he has rushed for more than 60 yards this season. Mathews has rushed for fewer than 45 yards five different times and even produced negative yardage in Week 3.
This week is much more likely to be another down week for Mathews than a second consecutive good one.
Wide Receivers
| 1 | Antonio Brown, PIT | 9 REC, 140 YDS, 2 TDs | Start |
| 2 | Odell Beckham Jr., NYG | 9 REC, 125 YDS, TD | Start |
| 3 | T.Y. Hilton, IND | 7 REC, 95 YDS, TD | Start |
| 4 | Mike Evans, TB | 9 REC, 130 YDS | Start |
| 5 | Terrelle Pryor Sr., CLE | 6 REC, 75 YDS, TD | Start |
| 6 | A.J. Green, CIN | 8 REC, 115 YDS | Start |
| 7 | Amari Cooper, OAK | 8 REC, 110 YDS | Start |
| 8 | Steve Smith Sr., BAL | 7 REC, 98 YDS | Start |
| 9 | Dez Bryant, DAL | 6 REC, 88 YDS | Start |
| 10 | Jordy Nelson, GB | 6 REC, 86 YDS | Start |
| * | Kamar Aiken, BAL | 3 REC, 38 YDS | Sit |
| * | Nelson Agholor, PHI | 3 REC, 31 YDS | Sit |
| * | Torrey Smith, SF | 2 REC, 40 YDS | Sit |
Start 'Em: Terrelle Pryor Sr., Cleveland Browns
As we mentioned above, there's a good chance that Big Ben goes off on the poor Browns this week. This is why it should make sense to lean on Steelers wideout Antonio Brown.
It also makes sense to start Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor Sr. He may be the top option in an underwhelming Browns passing attack, but he is still a top option. If the Steelers get ahead early, then the Browns are going to be passing a lot in order to keep up.
When the Browns do go pass-heavy, Pryor is usually the biggest beneficiary. He has seven games of at least five receptions this season and has topped 75 yards three different times. He'll be working against a Steelers defense that is rated 18th in pass coverage.
Pittsburgh has allowed a 100-yard receiver in each of its past two games.
Based on volume, Pryor should be a top fantasy option in Week 11.
Sit 'Em: Torrey Smith, San Francisco 49ers
The Seahawks proved last week that an efficient passing attack can shred the New England Patriots defense. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson carved up New England to the tune of 348 yards and three touchdowns.
However, "efficient" isn't a word anyone is going to use to describe the San Francisco 49ers offense.
As a team, the 49ers are averaging just 191.2 yards passing per game. Wide receiver Torrey Smith is averaging just 27 yards receiving per game. On top of that, he's battling a shoulder injury, though Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group expects him to play:
Between the injury and Smith's inability to capitalize on his deep-threat ability, there's no real reason to consider starting Smith. Even if the pass offense can beat the Patriots defense, Smith is best left on the waiver wire.
Tight Ends
| 1 | Jordan Reed, WAS | 7 REC, 90 YDS, TD | Start |
| 2 | Delanie Walker, TEN | 6 REC, 80 YDS, TD | Start |
| 3 | Martellus Bennett, NE | 9 REC, 110 YDS | Start |
| 4 | Tyler Eifert, CIN | 5 REC, 60 YDS, TD | Start |
| 5 | Jimmy Graham, SEA | 5 REC, 55 YDS, TD | Start |
| 6 | Vernon Davis, WAS | 5 REC, 50 YDS, TD | Start |
| 7 | Zach Miller, CHI | 6 REC, 70 YDS | Start |
| 8 | Eric Ebron, DET | 6 REC, 66 YDS | Start |
| 9 | Travis Kelce, KC | 6 REC, 60 YDS | Start |
| 10 | Cameron Brate, TB | 5 REC, 55 YDS | Start |
| * | Richard Rodgers, GB | 3 REC, 26 YDS | Sit |
| * | Vance McDonald, SF | 2 REC, 18 YDS | Sit |
| * | Jesse James, PIT | 2 REC, 16 YDS | Sit |
Start 'Em: Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis, Washington Redskins
We're recommending two tight ends for the Washington Redskins as starters this week. Jordan Reed is one of the top fantasy tight ends this seasonāhe has 44 receptions for 456 yards and three touchdowns in seven gamesāand his teammate has also climbed into a significant offensive role.
Even though Reed returned from a concussion two games ago, Davis has remained a starting-caliber fantasy tight end. He has racked up eight receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown since Reed's return, and both players should be in store for big days.
The visiting Green Bay Packers have resembled a lost team defensively in recent weeks. They've given up at least 30 points in each of their past three contests and just surrendered 295 passing yards and four scores to Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Green Bay is rated 31st in pass coverage. Expect the Redskins to exploit a weak secondary with both Reed and Davis.
Sit 'Em: Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers
We're predicting that the Steelers will walk all over the Browns this week, but we're also recommending sitting Steelers tight end Jesse James. Here's why.
James has had a couple of decent outings this season, but he's also failed to top 20 yards five different times. He also has to now contend with fellow tight end Ladarius Green for targets in the Pittsburgh offense.
While Green is dealing with a knee issue, he should be active against the Browns. Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Green was a full participant in Thursday's practice:
Expect another subpar outing for James.
Kickers
| 1 | Stephen Gostkowski, NE | 11 | Start |
| 2 | Matt Prater, DET | 10.5 | Start |
| 3 | Dan Bailey, DAL | 10 | Start |
| 4 | Dustin Hopkins, WAS | 10 | Start |
| 5 | Adam Vinatieri, IND | 10 | Start |
| 6 | Cairo Santos, KC | 9.5 | Start |
| 7 | Steven Hauschka, SEA | 9.5 | Start |
| 8 | Dan Carpenter, BUF | 9 | Start |
| 9 | Robbie Gould, NYG | 9 | Start |
| 10 | Mike Nugent, CIN | 9 | Start |
| * | Roberto Aguayo, TB | 6 | Sit |
| * | Kai Forbath, MIN | 6 | Sit |
| * | Andrew Franks, MIA | 6 | Sit |
If you're looking for a kicker in Week 11, you probably have one on bye. Use some common sense when picking a replacement. Guys who kick for good offensive teams are solid. Guys who kick for teams that regularly stall in the red zone are even better.
Ratings courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
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