Fantasy Football Week 11: Preview and Predictions

Week 10 of the NFL season has come to a close, and it’s time to set our sights on Week 11. This article will preview all of the Week 11 games from a fantasy football perspective and make some bold predictions.

At the quarterback position, Tom Brady, Cam Newton and Aaron Rodgers continue to set themselves apart from the pack. But look out for Oakland Raiders signal-caller Derek Carr, who finds himself ranked No. 4 this week.

However, none of those four players is this week’s breakout quarterback of the week. Find out who is inside.

At running back, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Charcandrick West is highlighted as a strong play this week. He’ll be teeing up against the San Diego Chargers, who have been forgiving to running backs all season long.

At wide receiver, a handful of young players—including DeAndre Hopkins, Mike Evans, Allen Robinson and others—find themselves ranked among the elite. Find out what to expect from this position inside.

We also have more on Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed, who has quickly established himself as one of the best in the league. Is another multi-touchdown game in the cards for the rising star?

This is just a taste of the previews. This slideshow will check in on every position entering Week 11 and provide several bold predictions.

QBs: Tony Romo a QB1 in First Game Back

Brian Blanco/Associated Press

Tony Romo

According to ESPN.com, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is expected to suit up and play in Week 11. He should be fired up in your fantasy football leagues as well. Find out why below.

Blake Bortles find himself ranked in the top 10 again this week, as he’s set to face off against the Tennessee Titans, who have been atrocious against fantasy passers all season long.

Week 11’s Top 10 QBs

1. Tom Brady (vs. BUF)
2. Cam Newton (vs. WAS)
3. Aaron Rodgers (at MIN)
4. Derek Carr (at DET)
5. Philip Rivers (vs. KC)
6. Andy Dalton (at ARI)
7. Carson Palmer (vs. CIN)
8. Matt Ryan (vs. IND)
9. Tony Romo (at MIA)
10. Blake Bortles (vs. TEN)

Breakout QB of the Week: Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Romo will be playing against the Miami Dolphins in his first game back from injury. Over the past four weeks, the Dolphins have given up over 28 points per game. That’s a relatively high number and leaves room for Romo to throw for up to four touchdowns. Three doesn’t seem out of the question.

QB Bust of the Week: Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills

Tyrod Taylor had a strong output when he played the New England Patriots the first time around—tossing three touchdowns to go along with 242 yards and a 76.7 percent completion rate—but that will be hard to replicate in Week 11, particularly because much of Taylor’s damage from that game came in garbage time.

In the four games he has played since then, Taylor has thrown for over 200 yards only once and hasn’t thrown for more than one touchdown in a game.

RBs: Charcandrick West a Strong RB1 in Week 11

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Charcandrick West

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart squeaks into the top 10 with a matchup against Washington this week. He has carried the ball at least 20 times in four straight games, and a big breakout game appears to be looming. Start him as an RB1 this week.

Below we also have more on Charcandrick West, who has rapidly established himself as an elite fantasy running back. His Week 11 matchup against the Chargers should have fantasy owners drooling.

Week 11’s Top 10 RBs

1. Devonta Freeman (vs. IND)
2. Todd Gurley (at BAL)
3. Adrian Peterson (vs. GB)
4. DeMarco Murray (vs. TB)
5. Lamar Miller (vs. DAL)
6. Marshawn Lynch (vs. SF)
7. Darren McFadden (at MIA)
8. Charcandrick West (at SD)
9. LeGarrette Blount (vs. BUF)
10. Jonathan Stewart (vs. WAS)

Breakout RB of the Week: Charcandrick West, Kansas City Chiefs

West will be playing against San Diego, which has been the second-worst defense in the league in terms of stopping opposing running backs from scoring fantasy points, according to ESPN.com. In 10 games this season, the Chargers have given up just over 20 carries per game and 11 total scores (rushing and receiving).

That’s good news for West, who has carried the ball at least 20 times in each of his past three games, scoring a touchdown in each outing.

West has become a true workhorse for the Chiefs, and it’s time for him to get some recognition. He’s about to catapult some of those who picked him up off the waiver wire into the fantasy playoffs.

RB Bust of the Week: Chris Johnson, Arizona Cardinals

Chris Johnson and the Arizona Cardinals will be playing against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 on Sunday Night Football. The Bengals have been an average team at stopping opposing running backs this season, so the concern in this case isn’t so much about the matchup as it is about the player himself.

CJ2K has carried the ball at least 25 times in each of his past two games, but he has only 167 total rushing yards to show for it. His YPC over those past two games is just barely over 3.0.

There haven't been many complaints about Johnson, however, as he went for over 100 yards in two of his past three games and scored a touchdown as well. But his efficiency has been trending downward, and it’s only a matter of time before that starts to be reflected in his fantasy scores.

Johnson is worth starting in Week 11, but he’s no longer in the RB1 conversation.

WRs: Big Game Coming for Dallas Wideout Dez Bryant

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Dez Bryant

Just as we predicted a strong game for Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in the quarterback slide, we’re expecting the same from his top wideout—Dez Bryant. Bryant has been recovering from injury himself, but with three games now under his belt, one has to think he’s close to full strength.

Raiders rookie receiver Amari Cooper also finds himself ranked in the top 10 this week, as do second-year wideouts Mike Evans and Allen Robinson. Surrounded by all of these young playmakers in the wideout section is Larry Fitzgerald, a grizzled veteran who shows no signs of slowing down.

Week 11’s Top 10 WRs 

1. Julio Jones (vs. IND)
2. Calvin Johnson (vs. OAK)
3. Dez Bryant (at MIA)
4. DeAndre Hopkins (vs. NYJ)
5. Demaryius Thomas (at CHI)
6. Mike Evans (at PHI)
7. A.J. Green (at ARI)
8. Amari Cooper (at DET)
9. Larry Fitzgerald (vs. CIN)
10. Allen Robinson (vs. TEN)

Breakout WR of the Week: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

Bryant will be playing against the Dolphins in Week 11. But the real reason to like Bryant this week is because he will be reunited with Romo.

The reunion party between Romo and Bryant will be a gold mine for fantasy owners, as the two players share a special bond. Bryant scored double-digit touchdowns in every season from 2012 through 2014, and he has only one so far this season. Look for that to change Sunday—and don’t be surprised if Bryant finds the end zone twice; Romo likes to look his way on the goal line.

WR Bust of the Week: Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers 

Davante Adams and the Green Bay Packers will be playing against the Minnesota Vikings, who are one of the 10 stingiest teams against fantasy wideouts this season, per ESPN.com.

Being inefficient when Aaron Rodgers is throwing you the football is difficult, but that’s exactly what Adams has done. He caught only 10 of 21 passes for 79 yards and didn’t score in Week 10, and he doesn’t have a score on the season.

The tough matchup in Week 11, combined with the inefficient play, means Adams is untrustworthy this week. You’ll notice his teammate Randall Cobb isn’t in the top 10 either.

TEs: Jordan Reed Assumes No. 2 Spot Behind Gronkowski

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

Jordan Reed

Nobody is supplanting Rob Gronkowski as the top fantasy tight end of 2015, but Washington pass-catcher Jordan Reed is giving it a heck of a try.

Reed has scored a touchdown in each of his previous three games—for a total of five touchdowns—and he has one 11-catch game mixed in there as well. Reed’s dominance in the red zone and high ceiling have earned him a spot as the No. 2 tight end entering Week 11.

Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham remains in the top 10 this week, and Cowboys tight end Jason Witten slides back into the elite rankings given that his quarterback—Tony Romo—is finally back.

Week 11’s Top 10 TEs

1. Rob Gronkowski (vs. BUF)
2. Jordan Reed (at CAR)
3. Greg Olsen (vs. WAS)
4. Tyler Eifert (at ARI)
5. Travis Kelce (at SD)
6. Delanie Walker (at JAC)
7. Martellus Bennett (vs. SD)
8. Jason Witten (at MIA)
9. Antonio Gates (vs. KC)
10. Jimmy Graham (vs. SF)

Breakout TE of the Week: Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears

Martellus Bennett has been an inconsistent tight end recently, but there’s something consistent about his inconsistency: He typically plays better after a down game, and he had a down game in Week 10. In fact, dating back to Week 3 (heading into Week 4) of this season, Bennett has played significantly better the week following an "off" performance.

His three-catch, 18-yard effort in Week 10 counts as an off day, so assuming the trend continues, that means Bennett will bounce back in style in Week 11.

Bennett and the Chicago Bears will be playing against the Denver Broncos, who have been average at stopping tight ends from scoring fantasy points despite featuring a strong defense overall, per ESPN.com.

TE Bust of the Week: Crockett Gillmore, Baltimore Ravens

In Week 11, Crockett Gillmore and the Baltimore Ravens will be playing against the St. Louis Rams, who have an above-average D/ST unit when it comes to slowing down fantasy tight ends, per ESPN.com.

The Rams were exposed by a tight end in Week 10, but it was somewhat fluky. Bears tight end Zach Miller scored twice against the Rams last week, including on an 87-yard play. The Rams did an excellent job of shutting down Chicago’s other (better) tight end in Bennett.

Prior to Week 10, the only tight end who had scored a touchdown against the Rams was Graham way back in Week 1.

Gillmore has scored a touchdown in two straight games, but he also has only six receptions for 50 yards in those two games combined.

Look for his volume to be low once again in Week 11. But this time, he won’t have a touchdown to mask it.

Kickers: Matt Bryant a Strong Kicker Option in Week 11

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Matt Bryant

Your fantasy kicker is likely set in stone, but if he's not, scan the waiver wire for players such as Graham Gano and Cairo Santos. There’s also a good chance Matt Bryant is on the waiver wire given that his bye was last week, so scoop him up if you’re in need of a kicker.

Week 11’s Top 10 Ks 

1. Stephen Gostkowski (vs. BUF)
2. Justin Tucker (vs. STL)
3. Steven Hauschka (vs. SF)
4. Brandon McManus (at CHI)
5. Mason Crosby (at MIN)
6. Matt Bryant (vs. IND)
7. Sebastian Janikowski (at DET)
8. Dan Bailey (at MIA)
9. Graham Gano (vs. WAS)
10. Cairo Santos (at SD)

Breakout K of the Week: Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons

In Week 11, Bryant will be kicking against the Indianapolis Colts, who play in a controlled environment and are among the more generous teams in terms of allowing kicker fantasy points this season, per ESPN.com. And that’s with only one field goal of over 50 yards connecting against them.

If Bryant gets a chance, he’ll make that number rise this week.

K Bust of the Week: Nick Novak, Houston Texans

Nick Novak and the Houston Texans will be playing against the New York Jets, a defense the Texans offense could have a difficult time moving the ball against.

Defense and Special Teams: Stream the Baltimore D/ST in Week 11

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

The Ravens are a 2-7 football team, but in Week 11, the Baltimore D/ST unit is one of the top streaming options.

Outside of the Ravens, fantasy players can also stream the Cowboys, the Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles this week.

Week 11’s Top 10 D/STs 

1. Denver Broncos (at CHI)
2. Seattle Seahawks (vs. SF)
3. Carolina Panthers (vs. WAS)
4. New York Jets (at HOU)
5. St. Louis Rams (at BAL)
6. New England Patriots (vs. BUF)
7. Green Bay Packers (at MIN)
8. Dallas Cowboys (at MIA)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. TB)
10. Oakland Raiders (at DET)

Breakout D/ST of the Week: Baltimore Ravens

The real reason to like the Ravens D/ST this week is simple: St. Louis—Baltimore’s Week 11 opponent—announced that Case Keenum will start for the Rams, per NFL.com.

The move will send Nick Foles to the bench and give the Ravens 2015's first dibs on an inexperienced quarterback. The touchdown potential is strong.

D/ST Bust of the Week: Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis D/ST will be playing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, and while the Falcons offer some extremely explosive players—including running back Devonta Freeman and wide receiver Julio Jones—their offense have been stymied in recent weeks, scoring just over 15 points per game over their last three outings.

But don’t fall for this trap. The Colts D/ST has yet to score double-digit points in any game this season and has given up over 20 points in all but one game.

Just because the Falcons offense is on a cold streak doesn’t mean you should start the Colts D/ST. Additionally, Atlanta had a chance to right its wrongs on offense in Week 10, as it had a bye.

Bold Predictions: Matthew Stafford Puts Up QB1 Numbers

Matt Ludtke/Associated Press

Matthew Stafford

Below are five bold predictions for Week 11 of the 2015 fantasy football season.

• Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford throws for 300 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford will be playing against the Raiders, and there’s a good chance he will need to score 30-plus points just to keep pace with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. That means plenty of deep balls to Calvin Johnson, several of which will surely connect. With this shootout on the horizon, Stafford is a tail-end QB1.

• Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller tops 150 total yards. The Dolphins will be playing against the Tony Romo-led Cowboys, which means they are going to need to score a bunch of points to have a shot at winning. It also means they are going to attempt to keep Romo off the field as much as possible. Miller has touched the ball about 20 times per game since Dan Campbell took over as interim head coach, but that number could get bumped up to 25 in Week 11. That gives Miller plenty of chances to break the long one.

• Todd Gurley of the St. Louis Rams has a 90-yard rushing touchdown. The 90-yard mark is admittedly random and arbitrary, but what’s a bold prediction without a little bit of a guess? Gurley is an electric talent, and it would be fitting for him to have a season-defining play like this. And with an inexperienced quarterback under center for the Rams, it would make sense for the team to put some extra weight on Gurley’s shoulders.

• Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed has another multi-touchdown game. Reed has scored three touchdowns in his past five outings and has two multi-touchdown games in that span. Look for him to make it three multi-touchdown games in four weeks in Week 11 against the Panthers, who gave up three scores to tight ends in Weeks 8 and 9 combined.

• Buffalo Bills wideout Sammy Watkins has a 50-plus-yard touchdown. The Bills may struggle in Week 11 as a whole, but they are likely to have their moments. This would be one of them. Watkins remains a viable deep threat, and Buffalo quarterback Tyrod Taylor possesses one of the most accurate deep balls in the league. New York Giants wideout Odell Beckham Jr. had a long touchdown against the Patriots in Week 10, so we know it can be done.

The rankings provided throughout this article are the author's own preliminary Week 11 rankings. His rankings are updated throughout the week at FantasyPros.com.