Stressing the importance of gaining victories at this point of the
season may be obvious, but it is now crunch time for most teams to have any
hope at staying alive for the fantasy playoffs. With six teams on the bye-week,
finding those gems to help lift your squad will become even more important to
gaining that edge. If you require bye-week fillers and players that should
reach great heights this week, we feel we have a crop ready to help the cause.
Good luck in your pursuit to fantasy dominance. Let’s get to it…
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START - GET THEM IN YOUR LINEUP
Quarterbacks:
Dak Prescott (DAL)
Mostly for those looking for a bye-week filler or a potential
upgrade, Dak Prescott is back firmly on the radar to have a solid outing
against the Falcons who give up points in bunches to opposing quarterbacks. The
Cowboys offense looks to be somewhat back on track with Amari Cooper drawing
coverage to his side and once again opening up lanes for Zeke Elliott to gallop
through leaving Dak to exploit defenses. His floor should be 20 fantasy points
this week with good upside.
Marcus Mariota (TEN)
The Titans seem to have figured out a formula that is working to
their advantage offensively making Marcus Mariota a great start for week 11.
The Colts defense has played better this season then most had predicted, but
behind a run game that is beginning to pick up steam, Marcus could again find
multiple touchdowns attached to his stat line. Force feeding Corey Davis will
again be the game plan for Tennessee utilizing the play action pass to pick
apart mismatches on the field. Mariota has found his way to 50 fantasy points
in the last two weeks and should reach 20-25 on Sunday.
Eli Manning (NYG)
ADF will once again preach the start of the Giants Eli Manning in an
A+ showdown against the Bucs who can’t stop anyone on defense. Last week our
recommendation to start Manning came with great criticism from readers
suggesting Eli should never gain a starting nod. Something to think about from
last week’s performances is that Manning was able to generate more points the
Cam Newton, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Jared Goff, and Matt Ryan to name a
few and that should again be the case verse Tampa Bay at home. Looking for an
edge this week at quarterback, Eli should again provide.
Running Backs:
Dion Lewis (TEN)
Admittedly, we haven’t been on the Titans wagon for much of the
season but have grown to appreciate what they are currently putting together.
Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry have been able to produce good statistical
performances these last couple weeks, and Lewis should have a featured role
against the Colts on Sunday. Lewis saw a healthy 20 rush attempts last week,
and if provided the same workload in this contest, the output will undoubtedly
be that much better. Dion will have a very good day for your club.
Alex Collins (BAL)
A case can be made for Collins teammate Buck Allen to also be on the
start list with Joe Flacco likely to miss this contest due to injury. The
Bengals alone give up the 2nd most to fantasy running backs, and an
offense to potentially play their backup quarterback for this match; the Ravens
will definitely lean on the ground game to generate anything positive. Alex
Collins has the probable outlook to carry the ball a whopping 20 times in this
contest looking like the true bell-cow back. Without question, Alex could be a
top performer this week.
Jalen Richard (OAK) (PPR)
Scratching the bottom of the barrel for key plays that could bring
dividends; we have no choice but to endorse the Raiders Jalen Richard. If
you’re stuck at running back this week, the prospects of Jalen once again being
heavily used in the pass game will be on display as the Cardinals give up the 4th
most to fantasy runners. While the Raiders seem to be in full tank mode at this
point of the season, quick dump offs to Richard will be a common occurrence.
PPR production will be very solid with the potential for a sneaky touchdown in
garbage time.
Wide
Receivers:
Sterling Shepard (NYG)
While Odell Beckham Jr should show fireworks in this contest against
the Buccaneers, Sterling Shepard should also find his way to seeing great
levels of productivity. Tampa Bay gives up the 2nd most to receivers
and struggles immensely at covering the slot. Coach Shurmur will undoubtedly
have seen all the inadequacies on film and should put together a plan that will
exploit the secondary pass catching option for the big-blue. Having Shepard in
your flex will pay off after this one is complete.
Amari Cooper (DAL)
It was extremely clear that the Cowboys simply didn’t have a player
that could pull coverage and impose fear in a defense at the receiver position
until they traded from Amari Cooper. Seeing a healthy 18 targets in the last
two games and seeing a great matchup on the horizon, Cooper is poised to have
another sound outing. The Cowboys are built on feeding the run game leaving
that option once again viable while opening up the play action pass to let
Cooper roam free. Really like the prospects for Amari in this one.
Calvin Ridley (ATL)
Some may not understand the suggestion that Calvin Ridley will have
a sound enough showing to warrant a starting position. While the Cowboys do
look extremely solid on the defensive backend holding opposing receiver to the
2nd fewest in terms of fantasy production, this will be the game
that he should be highlighted in the offense plan. Dallas will expel most of it
resources to double the great Julio Jones leaving Ridley somewhat unaccounted
for. The target share hasn’t been a concern for Calvin in the last few weeks
and should see an increase in this matchup. An endzone trip isn’t out of the
question for the great rookie talent.
Tight-Ends:
Vance McDonald (PIT)
It’s unbelievably clear that the Steelers are finding their grove
with dominating offensive outings seeing Ben Roethlisberger spread the ball
around to his many weapons. Vance McDonald has been a solid player in this
offense and should see a decent to large role in this contest against the
struggling Jaguars. AJ Bouye has been seen practicing this week and looks to
return to the field leaving Ramsey and Bouye locked in on Brown and JuJu. With
that looking to be the defensive plan, Vance has the opportunity to find room
in the middle against the Jags who give up the 9th most to
tight-ends. Seeing an endzone trip again this week could all but be a
formality.
SIT - LEAVE
THEM ON THE BENCH
Quarterbacks:
Kirk Cousins (MIN)
At this point of the season, we would’ve liked to have seen much
more production from the Vikings 84 million dollar man. Kirk Cousins has proven
to be unreliable in difficult matches leaving a load of points on the field.
While we would like to get behind Kirk in this divisional showdown on Sunday
Night Football, we really struggle to envision anything higher than an average
contest. Kirk has the talent to explode at any time, and while the Vikings are
coming off the bye, we shall error on the side of caution against a top flight
defensive unit standing in his way.
Andy Dalton (CIN)
The Bengals and Andy Dalton struggled like we haven’t seen last week
against the Saints who provided an absolute beat down to a club that really
isn’t that bad. Losing AJ Green to injury is monstrous for this offense and
will again be the case against the Ravens defense fresh off the bye. Baltimore
looked worn-out before entering their week off but should be reinvigorated and
ready to shut down a divisional opponent at home. Cincinnati will do their best
to establish the run game in hopes to open up the pass giving Dalton more time.
We just don’t see any scenario where Andy gets above 15 fantasy points this
week.
Running Backs:
Marlon Mack (IND)
While some love the
prospects of the Colts Marlon Mack, we simply can’t get behind the running back
especially this week. Mack has produced some sound outings to lift his overall
outlook, but this upcoming contest has us running for the hills. The Titans
possess a very good defensive group that has been able to halt opposing backs
to the 2nd fewest points in fantasy and that will again be the case
for Mack and company. The encouraging sign for Indianapolis has been the great
level of protection Andrew Luck has finally seen from his offensive line which
has also opened lanes for Mack and Hines. With that said, we will keep Marlon
on the bench is a difficult matchup.
Austin Ekeler (LAC)
Shear disappointment
is the only way to describe the absolute letdown from the Chargers Austin
Ekeler these last several weeks. Coach Lynn is a proponent of feeding the run
as the primary source of offensive production, but all the work has gone to
their star Melvin Gordon leaving Austin a clipboard holding onlooker. There is
nothing to suggest that Ekeler should be in your lineup this weekend and moving
forward until the situation sees a change.
Ito Smith (ATL)
Our great affinity for
the Falcons rookie Ito Smith will take a hit this week as the Falcons host the
Cowboys. Dallas has a much improved defense behind their stellar duo of line
backers and a superb defensive line which will make running an extremely
difficult option. While the Falcons have conceded to using Coleman as their
primary back in the absence of Freeman, Ito has seen his fair share of the
workload but should take a giant step back in this one. If you had thoughts of
starting Smith, rethink your options.
Wide
Receivers:
Tyler Boyd (CIN)
Clearly the best season of Tyler Boyd’s short career has been on
display this year, but without AJ Green pulling coverage to his side, Boyd
struggled to find any room last week against the Saints. Having another
difficult matchup verse the Ravens in Baltimore, Andy Dalton will be hard
pressed to provide more than a handful of targets to his direction. Better days
will be had making this is a must bench week for Boyd.
Michael Crabtree (BAL)
At the best of times the Ravens Michael Crabtree has become an afterthought,
but without Joe Flacco suiting up for this one, it’s impossible to trust
anything productive form Crabtree. The matchup on paper looks to be fantastic
as the Bengals provide the 4th most points to fantasy receivers, but
we have the sneaky suspicion that John Brown will see a far better outing. We
have completely lost faith in anything positive coming from Michael until
further notice.
Devin Funchess (CAR)
We at ADF have growth to appreciate the talents of the Panthers
Devin Funchess, but find it difficult to endorse playing him this weekend
against one of the better cover corners in the league in Darius Slay, provided
he plays. The outlook would become much more favorable if the final injury
report shows Slay being held out for another week, but at this point, we must
stick with what we do know. Cam should be able to generate more than he did
last week, but Funchess should have a difficult time.
Tight-Ends:
Jared Cook (OAK)
Even though the Raiders have limited resources in terms of pass
catching talent leaving Cook a potential target hog, we can’t envision a good
showing against the Cardinals who give up the 6th fewest to
tight-ends. Despite their record in the standings, the Cards have shown
stability in their defensive output being able to shut down similar talent
levels or lack thereof. This recommendation should go down more as a bust then
a must bench, but we are staying away this week.
POTENTIAL BIG
DAY – ALL ABOUT THE RISK/REWARD
Quarterbacks:
Cam Newton (CAR)
The Panthers and Cam Newton were obviously grossly unprepared for
their contest with the Steelers last week, but have a great opportunity to
right the ship against the Lions this weekend. Detroit was gutted last week
seeing the Bears move up and down the field at will showing grave deficiencies
in the process. Cam has been one of the better fantasy quarterbacks all season
and should find his way to a solid rebound this week.
Matt Ryan (ATL)
Matt Ryan and the Falcons at home are always a tough beat for whatever
reason. Going up against the Cowboys in a true must win contest, we can’t help
but feel like Matt Ryan will come out to play in this one. Dallas gives up
middle of the pack numbers to fantasy quarterbacks making Ryan a decent option
to find his way to at least 20 fantasy points on Sunday. There is the potential
of a bust for his overall output, but we’ll gamble and endorse a very
productive day.
Running Backs:
Mark Ingram (NO)
The New Orleans Saints have found their
way back to using both Ingram and Kamara in this offense showing their ability
to once again be an unstoppable force. This team is driven by the run and will
lean on that heavily in this match against the Super Bowl Champions. The Eagles
do allow the 9th fewest to fantasy backs this season, but after
witnessing their showing last week while losing Ronald Darby for season, this
defense will be in tough to stop Ingram. It’s not hard to see a touchdown again
for Mark.
Theo Riddick (DET) (PPR)
With a slew of injuries to offensive weapons for this contest, Theo
Riddick has again found relevance to be a potential difference maker in PPR
formats. While target share should be on his side in this match, the lack of
overall reliability on the Panthers defense leaves us to believe Riddick could
be used in both the slot and coming out of the backfield. If you have bye-week
trouble this week at running back, give Theo a look as he could bring you a
multitude of points.
Josh Adams (PHI)
We are comfortable to suggest that this edition of the Eagles is far
lesser of a club then what found their way to win the Super Bowl last season.
Having no viable threat of a run attack, the Eagles have become easy to defend.
Coach Pederson has provided his endorsement to give Josh Adams more work in hopes
to improve his struggling ground game leaving a good possibility that Adams
could see at least 15 carries in this contest. The Saints defense has been
exposed this season defending the run which could be a glorious sight for Josh
on Sunday. High risk, high reward belongs to Adams this week.
Wide
Receivers:
Golden Tate (PHI)
It’s our contention that the Eagles should take a page out of past
Patriots playbooks to recreate the run game with quick short passes utilizing
Tate and Agholor with things they do great. While Golden found himself on the
sidelines for a number of plays last week, his accountability should see an
uptick with more time learning the offense. Tate is a valuable weapon that
should be exploited against the Saints who give up the most to receivers. This
could be a big day for the new Eagle.
Josh Reynolds (LAR) (PPR)
No Cooper Kupp means that Josh Reynolds will be tasked with taking
over the slot duties for the Rams high flying offense. With perhaps the game of
the season upon us on Monday Night Football, Coach McVay should be looking at
new ways to expose the Chiefs leaky defense. Reynolds will gain traction in
fantasy as the week’s move forward starting with this contest. Any offense that
produces high levels of points and yards should be able to support a fill in
option for an injured player. Reynolds has fantastic upside moving
forward.
John Brown (BAL)
Keeping Crabtree on the bench and firing up John Brown should be the
formula for your fantasy team this week. With Joe Flacco likely to miss this
game against the Bengals, Robert Griffin or Lamar Jackson will definitely
attempt a few deep shots which should go to the direction of Brown with his
world class speed. Never knowing how a backup will perform as limited tape
should confuse the defense; Brown could be a great benefactor for
production.
Tight-Ends:
Kyle Rudolph (MIN)
At this point of the season, we find it
very hard to trust the Vikings Kyle Rudolph to put up anything spectacular on
the stat sheet. Facing off against the Bears in Chicago will be a tough test
for this offense to prove they are indeed the cream of the crop. With that
said, Kyle could find his way to the endzone as Cousins will be looking to his
check down on more than one occasion with pressure forcing the issue. Kyle has
been very underwhelming these last several weeks, but could snap out of that in
this one.
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