Fantasy Football Week 11: Everything You Need to Know for Sunday's Action

The NFL proved weird last week. Underdogs ruled the day, skewing fantasy scores and messing with fantasy lineups everywhere as a result.

Those kinds of unpredictable weeks are aberrations, though. While anything can happen on any given Sunday, the underdogs won't be on top for long.

Let's look ahead to see what's in store for Week 11 in the fantasy football realm.

Week 11 Rankings

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Check out this week's rankings for standard scoring leagues.

The 100

Rank	Player	Opponent
1	Devonta Freeman, RB, ATL	vs. Ind
2	Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN	vs. GB
3	Todd Gurley, RB, STL	at Bal
4	Charcandrick West, RB, KC	at SD
5	Mike Evans, WR, TB	at Phi
6	Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA	vs. SF
7	Calvin Johnson, WR, DET	vs. Oak
8	Lamar Miller, RB, MIA	vs. Dal
9	DeMarco Murray, RB, PHI	vs. TB
10	Jimmy Graham, TE, SEA	vs. SF
11	Chris Ivory, RB, NYJ	at Hou
12	Dez Bryant, WR, DAL	at Mia
13	Darren McFadden, RB, DAL	at Mia
14	Amari Cooper, WR, OAK	at Det
15	Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR	vs. Was
16	LeSean McCoy, RB, BUF	at NE
17	Cam Newton, QB, CAR	vs. Was
18	Philip Rivers, QB, SD	vs. KC
19	Julio Jones, WR, ATL	vs. Ind
20	Randall Cobb, WR, GB	at Min
21	Latavius Murray, RB, OAK	at Det
22	DeAndre Hopkins, WR, HOU	vs. NYJ
23	LeGarrette Blount, RB, NE	vs. Buf
24	Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB	at Min
25	Demaryius Thomas, WR, DEN	at Chi
26	Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE	vs. Buf
27	A.J. Green, WR, CIN	at Ari
28	Doug Martin, RB, TB	at Phi
29	Travis Kelce, TE, KC	at SD
30	Brandon Marshall, WR, NYJ	at Hou
31	James Starks, RB, GB	at Min
32	Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI	vs. Cin
33	Derek Carr, QB, OAK	at Det
34	Stefon Diggs, WR, MIN	vs. GB
35	Frank Gore, RB, IND	at Atl
36	Jarvis Landry, WR, MIA	vs. Dal
37	Tavon Austin, WR, STL	at Bal
38	Michael Crabtree, WR, OAK	at Det
39	Matt Forte, RB, CHI	vs. Den
40	Alshon Jeffery, WR, CHI	vs. Den
41	Jeremy Maclin, WR, KC	at SD
42	Tom Brady, QB, NE	vs. Buf
43	Eric Decker, WR, NYJ	at Hou
44	Matthew Stafford, QB, DET	vs. Oak
45	Danny Woodhead, RB, SD	vs. KC
46	Carson Palmer, QB, ARI	vs. Cin
47	Steve Johnson, WR, SD	vs. KC
48	Danny Amendola, WR, NE	vs. Buf
49	Tyler Eifert, TE, CIN	at Ari
50	Justin Forsett, RB, BAL	vs. StL
51	Giovani Bernard, RB, CIN	at Ari
52	Karlos Williams, RB, BUF	at NE
53	Greg Olsen, TE, CAR	vs. Was
54	Sammy Watkins, WR, BUF	at NE
55	T.Y. Hilton, WR, IND	at Atl
56	Matt Ryan, QB, ATL	vs. Ind
57	Chris Johnson, RB, ARI	vs. Cin
58	Davante Adams, WR, GB	at Min
59	Brandon LaFell, WR, NE	vs. Buf
60	Golden Tate, WR, DET	vs. Oak
61	Emmanuel Sanders, WR, DEN	at Chi
62	Tony Romo, QB, DAL	at Mia
63	Jeremy Hill, RB, CIN	at Ari
64	Jordan Reed, TE, WAS	at Car
65	Andy Dalton, QB, CIN	at Ari
66	Jordan Matthews, WR, PHI	vs. TB
67	Jeremy Langford, RB, CHI	vs. Den
68	Kamar Aiken, WR, BAL	vs. StL
69	Russell Wilson, QB, SEA	vs. SF
70	Ted Ginn, WR, CAR	vs. Was
71	Eric Ebron, TE, DET	vs. Oak
72	Michael Floyd, WR, ARI	vs. Cin
73	Matt Jones, RB, WAS	at Car
74	John Brown, WR, ARI	vs. Cin
75	Rishard Matthews, WR, MIA	vs. Dal
76	Donte Moncrief, WR, IND	at Atl
77	Jason Witten, TE, DAL	at Mia
78	Ronnie Hillman, RB, DEN	at Chi
79	Chris Givens, WR, BAL	vs. StL
80	DeSean Jackson, WR, WAS	at Car
81	Melvin Gordon, RB, SD	vs. KC
82	Andre Ellington, RB, ARI	vs. Cin
83	Doug Baldwin, WR, SEA	vs. SF
84	Tyrod Taylor, QB, BUF	at NE
85	C.J. Anderson, RB, DEN	at Chi
86	Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA	vs. Dal
87	Martellus Bennett, TE, CHI	vs. Den
88	Vincent Jackson, WR, TB	at Phi
89	Antonio Gates, TE, SD	vs. KC
90	Cecil Shorts, WR, HOU	vs. NYJ
91	James Jones, WR, GB	at Min
92	Alfred Blue, RB, HOU	vs. NYJ
93	Charles Sims, RB, TB	at Phi
94	Jameis Winston, QB, TB	at Phi
95	Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, NYJ	at Hou
96	Marvin Jones, WR, CIN	at Ari
97	Nate Washington, WR, HOU	vs. NYJ
98	Joique Bell, RB, DET	vs. Oak
99	James White, RB, NE	vs. Buf
100	Leonard Hankerson, WR, ATL	vs. Ind

Injury Update

Mike Roemer/Associated Press

Probables

Quarterbacks

• Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (shoulder): Could that shoulder have been the source of Aaron Rodgers' troubles? Is something else going on? Hopefully, he's on the mend.
• Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns (elbow): With Josh McCown likely sidelined, Johnny Manziel is good to go against the Steelers.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets (thumb): Fitzpatrick had thumb surgery just over a week ago. He should be fine—it's on his non-throwing hand—but he only practiced a couple of times this week.

Running Backs

• Joique Bell, Detroit Lions (shoulder): The Detroit game figures to see plenty of passing fireworks, and Joique Bell is mired in a timeshare with two other running backs.
• Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers (groin): Could we see a surge from Eddie Lacy as he gets healthy?
• Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (hamstring): Peterson is a monster right now; a little hamstring issue isn't going to slow him down against the Packers while the Vikings try to hold onto the NFC North lead.

Wide Receivers

• Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals (ankle): Fitzgerald is just about the only healthy receiver the Cardinals have, and his matchup isn't particularly good.
• Leonard Hankerson, Atlanta Falcons (hamstring): The Falcons are finally healthy at wide receiver, which means Leonard Hankerson is going to be competing with Roddy White and Justin Hardy for targets behind Julio Jones.
• Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (ankle): The Raiders bleed fantasy points to wide receivers. Calvin Johnson is going to feast.
• Brandon Marshall, New York Jets (toe) and Eric Decker, New York Jets (knee): If the Texans play as well as they have recently on defense, it could be a long day for the banged-up Jets offense.

Tight Ends

• Owen Daniels, Denver Broncos (shoulder): Owen Daniels' reward for being healthy is a date with Brock Osweiler at quarterback. That could actually be an upgrade.
  
• Clive Walford, Oakland Raiders (unknown): Who knows why Clive Walford is listed as probable, but he is seeing more action in a good passing offense with a great matchup.
• Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers (knee/hip): Dealing with multiple injuries at 35 is going to make things tough for Antonio Gates. Facing a defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends might be tougher.
  

Risks

John Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals (hamstring)

Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals (hamstring)

As alluded to earlier, the Cardinals receiving corps is a M.A.S.H. unit. John Brown and Michael Floyd have had limited practice time, and both are game-time decisions. 

Brown is optimistic he can play, but his injury has stuck with him for several weeks now. Floyd had a fantastic Week 10 showing before injuring himself, and the recency of his injury probably gives him less of a shot to play than his counterpart.

Neither of them has a particularly good matchup, and both would be major risks to aggravate those injuries. It would be best to stay away.

Karlos Williams, RB, Buffalo Bills (illness)

An illness shouldn't threaten Karlos Williams' status this week, especially since he has an extra day to recover for Monday night. But the New England Patriots have been playing good defense lately, and Williams hasn't been getting a ton of touches despite great production.

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears (knee)

There is no real reason for the Bears to rush Matt Forte back with Jeremy Langford playing so well in his place. There might be additional motivation for Forte to get back sooner than later, though—the longer Langford looks good, the less relevant Forte becomes to Chicago's future.

Darren McFadden, RB, Dallas Cowboys (groin)

Fantasy owners may have panicked when Darren McFadden's name suddenly popped up on the injury report this week. He has a groin injury, apparently, one that has kept him on the questionable list for a few days now.

The fact the Cowboys were comfortable letting Christine Michael go and only just signing Shaun Draughn in the middle of the week should be a bit of a relief, but McFadden's injury history and inability to succeed in great matchups recently have to be on the minds of Cowboys fans and fantasy owners alike.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos (ankle/finger)

You never want to hear a player just "did a little bit" in a Friday practice, as Broncos website writer Andrew Mason tweeted.

Keshawn Martin, WR, New England Patriots (hamstring)

If you were looking for a sneaky starter in Julian Edelman's injured wake, you might need to look elsewhere on the Patriots roster. Keshawn Martin seemed like a good idea until his injury lingered through the end of the week. He may not play, even with that extra day's rest.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (knee)

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (shoulder)

It doesn't look like Austin Seferian-Jenkins will be back this week, but Vincent Jackson stands a good chance to play. Jackson would have a fantastic matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles if he does play, so keep an eye on his status Sunday morning.

Doubtful or Out

Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers

If it wasn't for a road matchup on artificial turf, Carlos Hyde might be playing this weekend. Alas, he won't be traveling to Seattle to put up 35 rushing yards against the Seahawks.

Injury updates courtesy of Rotoworld unless otherwise noted. 

Sleepers and Busts

Sleepers

Case Keenum, QB, St. Louis Rams

All eyes will be on big-name backups such as Mark Sanchez and Brock Osweiler, but chances are one of their peers will steal the show in the fantasy realm.

Case Keenum takes over for the benched Nick Foles and gets a nice matchup right out of the gate. The Baltimore Ravens are a flaming pile of their former selves on defense, particularly against the pass.

Busts

Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers

Lacy should return this week from injury, but that doesn't mean he will be back to his high-scoring fantasy self.

The big back has looked sluggish all season long, and James Starks will command a big share of the touches as he has in recent weeks. The Vikings haven't been particularly generous to opposing running backs, either.

Start 'Em

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford has set fire to many a lineup over the years. But not this week.

The Raiders are a sieve on pass defense, and Stafford has a full complement of healthy playmakers. He should have a top-10 week against Oakland at home.

Jeremy Langford, RB, Chicago Bears

It's still unclear whether Matt Forte will be a go this weekend, but it may not affect Jeremy Langford's production too much anyway.

The unexpected rookie has been outstanding in relief of Forte to the point of carving out a significant role even when the veteran returns. Langford is the future in Chicago, and his production cannot be denied.

That said, he'll be more useful in points-per-reception leagues given his pass-catching prowess and the likelihood that will be where he gets the bulk of his production.

Stevie Johnson, WR, San Diego Chargers

The Chiefs put a hurting on the Denver Broncos last week, so it makes sense if you are reticent to start any San Diego Chargers this week. Fear not, though—Philip Rivers is no 39-year-old, injured Peyton Manning.

That means guys such as Stevie Johnson will have a good chance to thrive against a pass defense that has been rather generous to wide receivers for much of the season. It's unlikely Sean Smith will be on the smaller Johnson, and the latter could see double-digit targets.

Eric Ebron, TE, Detroit Lions

This is shaping up to be a real nice week for the Detroit offense, and nobody might benefit more than Eric Ebron.

The Raiders have struggled to defend tight ends all season long, though it may not seem like it based on the numbers from recent opponents. Those guys weren't a particularly impressive bunch, though—Jeff Cumberland, Heath Miller and Kyle Rudolph aren't exactly the Three Gronkowskis.

Houston Texans D/ST

We are going back to the well on this one.

The last time they were touted here, the Texans went off and scored upwards of 20 fantasy points. Counting on that would be foolish, but this is an improving defense going up against a starting quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick) who is coming off wrist surgery.

Sit 'Em

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Osweiler, QB, Denver Broncos

I know what you're thinking. "Brock Osweiler has been learning under Peyton Manning for years. He's going to blow up this week now that he's the starter!"

Not so fast, sunshine.

While the possibility exists, are you really going to risk throwing Osweiler into your lineup when you probably have a much more established and safer option?

Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers

As we have discussed, Eddie Lacy is not a particularly good option even if he is healthy.

Kamar Aiken, WR, Baltimore Ravens 

The St. Louis Rams have given up three touchdowns to wide receivers this season and none since Week 5. This isn't going to be a good week for Kamar Aiken.

Antonio Gates, TE, San Diego Chargers

The amalgamation of injuries and a bad matchup does not bode well for Antonio Gates this week. Chances are you may not have a better option, but a comparable one would probably be better in your lineup.

Kansas City Chiefs D/ST

The Chiefs put a beating on Peyton Manning last week, but that is not predictive of how many points they are going to give up to Philip Rivers and the Chargers. About the only thing going for Kansas City is the fact San Diego's offense is banged up.

The DraftKings Scoop

Here is the Week 11 rundown for DraftKings, if you are of that persuasion. 

The Chalk

chalk (n.)—a player considered to be a consensus pick or a “must-start” option for a given DFS contest, especially in cash games.

Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs ($4,500)

Last week was awful for The Chalk. Many highly owned options were absolute duds, lighting fire to the funeral pyres that were cash lineups everywhere.

It happens. Don't let it scare you away from this week's chalk options.

Charcandrick West is likely to see the highest ownership percentage of the week at $4,500. Not only is he playing well in a lead back role, but he is going up against a Chargers defense that has given up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

San Diego has gotten a bit better in recent weeks, but that is one porous defense.

Stevie Johnson, WR, San Diego Chargers ($3,900)

How can you resist Stevie Johnson at $3,900? Many other DFS players won't.

Johnson's price is nice, but his matchup is better. The Chiefs have given up a ton of fantasy points to opposing receivers this season, their Week 10 throttling of the Broncos notwithstanding.

Danny Amendola, WR, New England Patriots ($4,000)

Who knows to whom fantasy footballers will gravitate in the wake of Julian Edelman's foot injury, but Danny Amendola seems like the best bet.

Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams ($7,600)

This week's matchup isn't great for Todd Gurley, but that may not matter.

The dazzling rookie has drawn rightful comparisons to Adrian Peterson, which would make him all but matchup-proof if they are true. 

One thing is for sure—many fantasy owners will utilize him this week, regardless of the matchup. His price isn't even terribly expensive here at $7,600. That makes him a chalk play.

The Cash Plays

cash game (n.)—a contest in which at least 40 percent of the entrants earn a prize. High-floor players are desirable in cash games.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers ($6,900)

What's it going to take to get Cam Newton above $7,000?

Carolina's MVP candidate has been a boon for fantasy owners this season, particularly in recent weeks. His rushing ability gives him a high floor with big boom potential—exactly what you want in a DFS quarterback. The fact he is likely to rush for 30-plus yards makes him a quality cash option so long as he is this inexpensive.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($7,300)

Evans has been producing well in recent weeks despite a ton of drops. He just needs to get into the end zone. Against that soft Eagles defense, he could find himself scoring more than once. 

Even if he's shut out again, another week with 100-plus yards will make him a solid starter here.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings ($6,700)

How is Peterson only $6,700? Why is he not a chalk play?

Well, he's darn close to being one. A slight injury and a potentially terrible game script are probably keeping him from a higher ownership percentage.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions ($7,200)

Antonio Brown scored 47.6 PPR points against the Raiders two games ago. All four Jets got into double digits the previous week. Calvin Johnson is still Megatron.

The Stacks

stack (v.)—rostering two to three players from the same NFL team with the hope that if one player performs extremely well, then the other one to two players will also benefit.

Derek Carr, QB ($6,300) and Michael Crabtree, WR, Oakland Raiders ($6,000)

The Oakland Raiders passing game is humming. The Lions and Raiders figure to play a high-scoring game this week—at least if Vegas oddsmakers have anything to say about it with a 50-point over-under and no favorite.

Matthew Stafford, QB ($5,400) and Calvin Johnson, WR ($7,200) or Eric Ebron, TE, Detroit Lions ($3,500)

The passing game is shaping up nicely for the Lions against the Raiders. Take advantage by stacking Matthew Stafford with his pass-catchers.

Mark Sanchez, QB ($5,000) and Jordan Matthews, WR, Philadelphia Eagles ($4,700)

Let's try this again.

Last week, Cousins was all about garbage-time upside. Only garbage time didn't really come until late thanks to a relatively tepid offensive performance from the New England Patriots.

This week, Cousins and Co. take on a much softer Saints defense in what figures to be a shootout of sorts. That or Washington could actually find itself in garbage time early again given how well the Saints offense has been playing lately.

The GPP Plays

GPP (n.)—stands for “Guaranteed Prize Pool.” It is a type of tournament for which the daily fantasy sports site promises a specific prize pool amount to be divided among the winners regardless of entry count.

Danny Woodhead, RB, San Diego Chargers ($5,300)

Danny Woodhead's production is a maddening prediction to make. 

He is certainly not expected to get more than a handful of carries every week, so his value is almost entirely tied to his pass-catching prowess.  

Theo Riddick, RB, Detroit Lions ($3,300)

Theo Riddick is in the same model of boat as Woodhead, only there are two other running backs rocking it as opposed to one.

When his number is called, though, Riddick has few peers when it comes to catching the ball out of the backfield. If he could do everything else better, he might be a more reliable option in the fantasy realm.

You run the risk of Riddick putting up a handful of points, to be sure, but he won't have to catch too many passes to meet value at that price.

Dontrelle Inman, WR, San Diego Chargers ($3,000)

Stevie Johnson is a chalk play, but what about his teammates? Malcom Floyd is dealing with a torn labrum, while Antonio Gates is hobbled by multiple injuries. 

Dontrelle Inman could wind up with a nice week as the No. 2 receiver, and he is a nice option at a minimum price.

Daily fantasy definitions courtesy of Cracking DraftKings over at FootballGuys.com.

Last-Minute Waiver-Wire Additions

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Case Keenum, QB, St. Louis Rams

Case Keenum is a deep enough sleeper this week that he is probably available in your league. He'd be a Hail Mary unless you're desperate, but the matchup is enticing. Keenum could wind up in the top 12 of fantasy scoring when the fantasy dust settles.

Keshawn Martin, WR, New England Patriots

He might not play this week because of a hamstring issue, but Keshawn Martin might be the best long-term replacement for Julian Edelman aside from Danny Amendola. 

Chris Givens, WR, Baltimore Ravens

This isn't really the week to invest in Chris Givens, but the deep threat has been getting more comfortable in Baltimore's offense since the Rams traded him.

What Other Experts Are Saying

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

In case you needed more proof that Charcandrick West is a chalk play, ESPN's Matthew Berry thinks he is ready to blow:

"

The Chark-nado, as only Robert Flores and I call him, is getting fed like me at a place where you get fed a lot. What is that? A buffet? More than 120 yards from scrimmage and a TD in three straight, his volume (averaging 22 rushes a game in that span) keeps his floor high and his matchup -- the Chargers give up the fourth-most yards per carry and the most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs -- provides tons of upside. Plus, Jon Hein is using him against me this week in our matchup, which guarantees he goes off.

"

Nick Mensio also thinks Matthew Stafford is in for a huge week against the Raiders, his easiest matchup to date. Here are his thoughts over at Rotoworld:

"

Stafford has faced one of the toughest schedules, going up against the Nos. 1, 3, 5, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, and 19th-ranked pass defenses in terms of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Oakland ranks 26th and will be, by far, Stafford’s easiest test to date, and he gets them at home. Stafford’s remaining stretch-run schedule, for that matter, is one of the rosiest on the books. In a week with not many projected high-scoring games, Raiders-Lions has the highest over-under at 48.5 points. Oakland is favored by two, but both clubs have respectable team totals, with the Lions checking in at 23.25 points. 

"

All fantasy rankings and statistics courtesy of FFToday.com. Snap count data is courtesy of FootballOutsiders.com. Las Vegas odds courtesy of OddsShark.com.