The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap Week 11 (Fantasy Football)
It’s Week 11, and Andy, Mike, and Jason put in the work to help you win! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Week 10 Studs & Duds + Broken League, Monday Punday
News
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed he’s sticking with Dillon Gabriel at QB, saying he will “continue to coach him up,” while rookie Shedeur Sanders remains on the bench. For Monday Night Football, Dontayvion Wicks and Matthew Golden are questionable, but Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown are cleared to play.
J.K. Dobbins is getting a second opinion on a foot injury from another hip-drop tackle and is expected to miss time. Giants QB Jaxson Dart left with a concussion, his fourth of the year, as New York suffered another late collapse. Garrett Wilson re-aggravated his knee injury and played just 39% of snaps, while Davante Adams exited with an oblique issue but could have returned if the game were close. Oronde Gadsden will undergo an MRI on his knee, Dalton Kincaid and Bam Knight left with soft-tissue injuries, and Zay Jones and Chris Rodriguez also failed to return after getting hurt.
Kyle Shanahan gave a “Captain Obvious” quote, stating that Brock Purdy is “further along than in Week 4” and could return in Week 11.
Studs
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QB Studs
Matthew Stafford’s MVP campaign rolls on with four more TDs and no picks, setting an NFL record with his third straight game with 4+ TDs and zero INTs. Davis Mills came out of nowhere to torch Jacksonville and steal a game the Texans had no business winning. Jaxson Dart flashed before another concussion scare and needs to learn how to “slip and slide.” Caleb Williams delivered an efficient comeback win while getting time in the pocket. Baker Mayfield rounded out the week with three scores in a strong fantasy outing in a close loss.
RB Studs
Jonathan Taylor turned in a monster 32-carry, 244-yard, three TD performance, plus 42 receiving yards. He is single-handedly winning matchups and reasserting his RB1 crown. De’Von Achane and Jahmyr Gibbs both ripped off long scoring runs in explosive, week-winning performances. TreVeyon Henderson finally broke through with 147 yards and two TDs, silencing doubters and eliciting Mike to don his “hate-blocking” shades.
WR Studs
Drake London dismantled the Jets by dominating in the slot. Jameson Williams thrived with Dan Campbell taking over play-calling, finding the end zone again as the Lions offense finally opened up. Emeka Egbuka bounced back with 13 targets, and Nico Collins proved he’s the real deal, even with Davis Mills. Chris Olave and rookie QB Tyler Shough showed surprising chemistry. Jason’s start of the week, Rome Odunze, came through after a few duds in a row. Ladd McConkey came through and is making Keenan Allen irrelevant. Jerry Jeudy had his first good game of the year, and Alec Pierce is a go-to WR for Daniel Jones.
TE Studs
Trey McBride stayed red hot with yet another TD from Jacoby Brissett. George Kittle and Dalton Schultz each delivered strong performances. Juwan Johnson and Tyler Warren found the end zone, and Cade Otton somehow survived another round of massive hits to post double-digit targets. Theo Johnson quietly remained a consistent option with Jaxson Dart under center.
Duds
QB Duds
Some big names flopped this week. Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix all delivered disappointing fantasy outings. Josh Allen’s day was a mess for most of the game being full of turnovers, low production, and the look of a blowout loss. Then garbage-time heroics salvaged his box score. Nix in particular looked like Denver’s biggest problem, dragging down an otherwise strong roster with inefficient play and a lack of chemistry with his receivers.
RB Duds
James Cook followed up last week’s explosion with a dud as Buffalo’s offense was dismantled by Miami. Derrick Henry and Quinshon Judkins both logged over 20 carries and decent yardage, but couldn’t find the end zone. Ken Walker continued his cold streak; now five straight games without a top-24 finish, as Seattle keeps pulling him near the goal line.
WR Duds
DK Metcalf’s struggles deepened with just 37 yards per game over the last month. DJ Moore laid a goose egg one week after a monster performance, and Michael Pittman failed to deliver despite the Colts’ high-scoring game. Courtland Sutton’s three-catch outing was another warning sign tied directly to Bo Nix’s poor play.
TE Duds
Brock Bowers struggled after a massive performance last week. The “meow list” includes Hunter Henry, Mason Taylor, T.J. Hockenson, and Kyle Pitts, who all underwhelmed.
Tuesday – Week 11 Waivers & Streamers + Jason’s Dead?
News
The Giants made headlines Monday by firing head coach Brian Daboll and naming Mike Kafka the interim. The move came after another crushing loss and multiple blown leads, despite Daboll being the driving force behind rookie QB Jaxson Dart’s selection.
In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow was designated to return from injured reserve and is targeting a Week 13 or 14 comeback, depending on the Bengals’ playoff hopes. Romeo Doubs exited Monday night with a chest injury, while Garrett Wilson will miss 3–4 weeks with a knee sprain. Isiah Pacheco’s MCL issue could sideline him longer. Todd Bowles said there’s still no timetable for Bucky Irving’s return, and Ricky Pearsall is “hopeful” to practice this week. Terry McLaurin has been ruled out for Week 11 against Miami, and Dalton Kincaid is week-to-week with a hamstring injury. Oronde Gadsden is day-to-day with a quad bruise, and Brenton Strange was designated to return for Jacksonville.
For New England, Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kayshon Boutte were all limited ahead of Thursday night. Stevenson remains doubtful, while Henderson would continue to see volume after flashing big-play potential.
Waiver Wire
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RBs:
It’s another thin week at running back. Emari Demercado is the top pickup after a solid outing for Arizona, with Bam Knight hurt and Trey Benson still sidelined. Chris Rodriguez had some momentum before a shoulder injury, but he did find the end zone for Washington. Tyler Allgeier continues to frustrate Bijan Robinson managers but keeps a flex-level floor with goal-line work. Sean Tucker is a speculative add in Tampa Bay as Bucky Irving remains out, and Ja’Cory Crosky-Merritt, Chuba Hubbard, and Jordan Mason shouldn’t be dropped just yet with unsettled backfields ahead.
WRs:
Parker Washington stays relevant in Jacksonville with multiple injuries ahead of him and two TDs last week. Alec Pierce remains a solid add despite a Week 11 bye after another strong game. Darius Slayton impressed with Jackson Dart, though he loses appeal if Dart misses time. Christian Watson is only 37% rostered and could be Green Bay’s top target if Romeo Doubs sits. For upside stashes, Luther Burden is the favorite—his role is climbing in Chicago, and DJ Moore’s injury could fast-track his breakout. Deeper names include Taz Johnson (two TDs last week), Trey Tucker as a dart throw against Dallas, and Jaden Reed if Green Bay’s injuries persist.
TEs:
TE is surprisingly deep. Cade Otton saw 12 targets and remains a steady volume play. Colston Loveland’s hype has cooled, but he is still involved and could see more if DJ Moore misses time. Harold Fannin is a fringe option after Njoku’s return, while Theo Johnson (7-for-75) and Juwan Johnson (4-for-92) are streaming candidates—though Juwan heads into a bye.
DSTs:
Four defenses stood out: Patriots vs. the Jets are the top streamer at home with no Garrett Wilson. Texans get Tennessee, Ravens face Cleveland, and Packers draw the Giants—likely against either Russ or Jameis. The hosts leaned toward New England as the safest play.
Check out the full waiver wire rankings on the website and, as a FootClan member, use the Ultimate Dashboard waiver tool that adjusts to your league.
Full Stream Ahead
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Andy: Aaron Rodgers (vs CIN)
Rodgers hasn’t been consistent, but one of his only strong fantasy games this year came against the Bengals. With a 49.5-point total and Pittsburgh favored, this matchup has sneaky shootout potential for managers in need of a streamer.
Mike: Marcus Mariota (vs MIA, in Madrid)
Mariota keeps delivering fantasy value despite real-life struggles, thanks to his rushing floor and steady TD production. He faces a Miami defense ranked 22nd against QBs, giving him a solid path to another top-12 finish.
Jason: He didn’t officially submit a pick, but both Andy and Mike agreed they would start Joe Flacco over Rodgers if available. Flacco’s been on a hot streak with elite volume and a dream schedule that keeps him firmly in the streaming mix.
Stash candidate: Joe Burrow (CIN)
Burrow was designated to return from IR and is targeting Week 13 or 14. If he were dropped in your league and you need QB help, go get him.
Wednesday – Playoff Primer + Trade Targets & League Winners
Backup Options
Check your waiver wire for the most-dropped players this week.
This week’s most dropped players included Justin Fields, Isaiah Davis, Chris Rodriguez, Tank Bigsby, Devin Singletary, Emanuel Wilson, and Kyle Monangai — though the hosts called the drops of Rodriguez, Monangai, and Dalton Kincaid “weird,” urging managers not to panic.
Top fallback adds were Dalton Schultz, who has quietly been a top-8 TE in three of the last four weeks, and Denver’s Tyler Badie, who could see passing-down work if J.K. Dobbins sits with a foot injury. They also recommended stashing the 49ers DST ahead of a soft upcoming schedule against Arizona, Carolina, and Cleveland.
If you missed on waivers, Schultz, Badie, and the 49ers defense are smart fallback options.
News
Travis Hunter will undergo season-ending surgery for a torn LCL (aka the “least crucial ligament). The hosts noted it is a much better outcome than an ACL tear, meaning a shorter recovery, but still a disappointing end to a breakout rookie season. They debated his fantasy outlook for next year, with concerns about his dual-role usage and injury recovery.
J.K. Dobbins’ foot injury remains a concern — he hasn’t been placed on IR, but the hosts doubt he will play this week. Chris Rodriguez’s shoulder issue isn’t serious, and he’s expected to suit up, though Washington’s backfield remains a three-way split.
The Giants are turning to Jameis Winston as their starting QB, which the hosts welcomed as a fantasy upgrade. They expect his gunslinger style to give Darius Slayton and Wandale Robinson flex appeal, while the Packers’ D/ST becomes an appealing play against his turnover risk.
The Cowboys are reportedly likely to franchise tag George Pickens this offseason, sparking debate. Some saw it as a smart short-term move for Dallas and good for Pickens’ fantasy value, while others worried it could lead to holdout drama.
TNF Preview
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2-7 NYJ at 8-2 NE (NE -12.5, O/U 40.5)
The Patriots look every bit like an 8-2 contender under Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel, winning with balance across all three phases. Meanwhile, the 2-7 Jets limp into Foxborough after a “win” featuring just 52 passing yards.
From a fantasy lens, it’s simple: play Breece Hall and no one else on New York. For New England, TreVeyon Henderson remains a strong start. His explosiveness gives him upside even if Rhamondre Stevenson returns to split carries. Drake Maye is a locked-in starter, and Stefon Diggs is a solid floor play amid unpredictable target distribution (Mack Hollins led the team. Hunter Henry is a viable Thursday night TE streamer if you need early points.
Playoff Primer
With the fantasy playoffs just weeks away, now is the time to plan ahead. Strength of schedule can make or break your title run. Here’s how the playoff landscape shapes up by position:
QBs:
The best playoff schedules belong to J.J. McCarthy, Tua Tagovailoa, Lamar Jackson, and Daniel Jones. McCarthy is a potential streamer if he proves reliable late in the season, and pairing him with Tua could be a strong playoff combo. Daniel Jones has sneaky upside with favorable matchups against Seattle, San Francisco, and Jacksonville. On the flip side, Patrick Mahomes faces a brutal stretch (Chargers, Titans, Broncos) — still startable, but expectations should be tempered.
RBs:
Top backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and James Cook have tough schedules, but you are not benching them. The best opportunities lie in committees: Washington, New England, and Arizona. Trey Benson is a potential league-winner if healthy, while rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins both have excellent playoff matchups. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren and Chicago backs face brutal schedules — beware if you rely on them.
WRs:
Miami (Waddle), Minnesota (Jefferson/Addison), San Francisco, and Philadelphia receivers have strong schedules. Waddle and A.J. Brown are prime buy-low targets with league-winning upside. Jameson Williams is a sneaky stash with soft matchups early in the fantasy playoffs. On the other hand, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rashee Rice face difficult roads, while Emeka Egbuka should be fine despite tougher matchups.
TEs:
Matchups matter most here. The Dolphins, Ravens, Lions, and Giants offer great schedules. Sam LaPorta stands out as a potential playoff difference-maker, while Mark Andrews, Darren Waller (if healthy), and Greg Dulcich all have streaming appeal. Tougher schedules for Travis Kelce and Brock Bowers could dampen ceilings, though you’re still starting them.
DEFs:
Houston and Tampa Bay have ideal playoff schedules — both are widely available and can be stashed now. The Steelers could be a sneaky championship-week winner but dangerous early. Avoid relying on Denver, Green Bay, Minnesota, the Chargers, or Seattle, all of whom face rough matchups through the fantasy playoffs.
Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 11 Breakdown, TreVeyon Time!
News
Rhamondre Stevenson and Kayshon Boutte are officially out for Thursday night, which locks TreVeyon Henderson into a full workload against the Jets. It’s TreVeyon’s time to shine.
Sean Payton said RJ Harvey will see more work if J.K. Dobbins misses time, though Tyler Badie will mix in. Lamar Jackson (knee soreness) didn’t practice on Wednesday but is expected back today, while Rashod Bateman’s ankle injury looks like a multi-week absence.
Brenton Strange and Brian Thomas Jr. were limited; their Week 11 status is uncertain. In good news, Oronde Gadsden logged a full practice and appears ready to return. Sean McVay expects Davante Adams to play Sunday, boosting MVP candidate Matthew Stafford, and Brock Purdy is expected to start, barring setbacks.
Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin were “limited” in a walkthrough, but Irving still seems multiple weeks away. Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen traded playful trash talk ahead of their matchup, including jokes about height, tiny hands, and two-glove golf etiquette.
C.J. Stroud entered concussion protocol and is not expected to play this week, meaning Davis Mills will start again for Houston.
Starts of the Week
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Jason’s Picks:
QB: Dak Prescott vs LV
RB: Aaron Jones Sr. vs CHI
WR: A.J. Brown vs DET
TE: Dalton Schultz vs WAS
Andy’s Picks:
QB: Joe Flacco vs PIT
RB: Jaylen Warren vs CIN
WR: Tyler Lockett at DAL
TE: Colston Loveland vs MIN
Mike’s Picks:
QB: Justin Herbert vs JAX
RB: Rico Dowdle at ATL
WR: Tee Higgins vs PIT
TE: Zach Ertz at MIA
Fantasy Forecast
3–7 WAS at 3–7 MIA (MIA -2.5, O/U 47.5) – In Spain
Miami has won two of its last three and remains a strong fantasy offense. Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane are auto-starts. Washington’s RB trio is messy, but Chris Rodriguez leads the group. Marcus Mariota is a fringe streamer; Washington’s WRs aren’t trustworthy.
5–5 CAR at 3–6 ATL (ATL -3.5, O/U 42.5)
Bijan Robinson remains a must-start even as Tyler Allgeier vultures red zone touches. Drake London has been the WR1 the past two weeks and stays in lineups. Carolina leans on Rico Dowdle, with Tet McMillan as a WR3/FLEX in a tougher matchup. Chuba Hubbard is no longer startable.
6–3 TB at 6–3 BUF (BUF -5.5, O/U 48.5)
Weather may impact scoring (snow/wind), but Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield are still startable. Emeka Egbuka is the only locked-in receiving option. Tez Johnson is a viable flex if conditions allow. If Dalton Kincaid sits, Dawson Knox becomes a desperation TE2.
4–5 HOU at 1–8 TEN (HOU -6.5, O/U 37.5)
Houston’s defense ranks first in points and yards allowed; Tennessee’s offense ranks last. Bench all Titans if possible. Start Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Woody Marks, as Houston should control the game script.
6–3 CHI at 4–5 MIN (MIN -3, O/U 48.5)
D’Andre Swift returns as Chicago’s lead back, while Kyle Monangai is TD-dependent. Rome Odunze is in play after a bounce-back game. Luther Burden becomes a flex play if DJ Moore sits. For Minnesota, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are strong starts in a high-total matchup.
5–3–1 GB at 2–8 NYG (GB -7, O/U 42.5)
Jameis Winston brings volatility but can support any and all pass-catchers. Darius Slayton is ruled out, so fire up Wan’Dale Robinson as a PPR machine, along with Theo Johnson. For Green Bay, Christian Watson’s routes are trending up, and Jordan Love is a decent streamer.
3–6 CIN at 5–4 PIT (PIT -5.5, O/U 49.5)
Cincinnati’s defense is cratering, giving Pittsburgh the second-highest implied total of the week. Start Jaylen Warren, Aaron Rodgers, and consider both Steelers TEs. For Cincinnati, Joe Flacco, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown are all strong starts.
Friday – Week 11 Matchups + Wheel of Shame, Mike Has No Pants
Thursday Night Recap
TreVeyon Henderson delivered the full breakout Ballers Nation had been waiting for: three TDs, 90% of the snaps, nine forced missed tackles, and more yards after contact (70) than total rushing yards (62). He was dominant between the tackles, dangerous in space, and added five receptions to complete the eruption. It was the long-awaited payoff for managers who had held out through eight weeks of frustration.
Drake Maye threw for 281 yards in a comfortable Patriots win, with Stefon Diggs soaking up nine catches on 11 targets. Justin Fields failed to clear his ultra-low passing prop (116), but Breece Hall disappointed. John Metchie and Adonai Mitchell dominated WR snaps with little production.
NFL News
Rico Dowdle and Drake London returned to practice. Both Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin were limited in return-to-conditioning work and trending toward missing Week 11. Khalil Shakir practiced in a non-contact jersey as Dalton Kincaid was officially ruled out, making Knox and Coleman potential volume beneficiaries.
Dalton Schultz missed another practice and is highly doubtful. Darius Slayton also sat again, dampening Jameis Winston’s ceiling. Rome Odunze and DJ Moore practiced in a limited fashion and are on track.
Good news for San Francisco: Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall are both expected back after extended absences.
Fantasy Forecast
7–3 LAC at 5–4 JAX (LAC -3, O/U 43.5)
Jacksonville has given up five straight top-12 QB performances, making Justin Herbert a strong start. Ladd McConkey is the safest Charger pass-catcher, followed by Quentin Johnston, Oronde Gadsden, and then Keenan Allen. Kimani Vidal has volume but a tough matchup. Etienne is a mid-range RB2 dependent on TDs. With the Jags WR room hurt, Parker Washington is the preferred play if active; Brian Thomas Jr. is doubtful to suit up.
7–2 SEA at 7–2 LAR (LAR -3, O/U 48.5)
A high-ceiling NFC West matchup. Stafford remains a must-start while on a scorching TD pace, though a Davante Adams absence would lower expectations. Puka Nacua, Adams, and Kyren Williams are all in lineups. For Seattle, Sam Darnold is a viable streamer, Charbonnet is safer than Walker, who is TD-dependent, and JSN is a no-brainer.
6–4 SF at 3–6 ARI (SF -3, O/U 48.5)
With Marvin Harrison Jr. and Zay Jones out, the Cardinals funnel through Trey McBride. Jacoby’s 280 passing-yard average keeps Michael Wilson in WR3 territory. Demercado only works if Bam Knight sits. For the 49ers, CMC, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall (if active) are the plays, but monitor the “Shanahanigans.”
4–5 BAL at 2–7 CLE (BAL -7.5, O/U 38.5)
The Ravens’ defense has been elite since the bye. The only usable Brown is Quinshon Judkins; the rest face a brutal matchup. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are locked in. Ravens TEs are TD-or-bust, and Zay Flowers continues to struggle for usable volume.
5–4 KC at 8–2 DEN (KC -3.5, O/U 44)
Denver keeps winning on defense, not offense. Mahomes is still pacing toward 4,400 yards and 32 TDs, and Rashee Rice’s return helps stabilize things. Xavier Worthy is iffy, and no secondary Chiefs WRs are trustworthy. Kareem Hunt is an RB2 with Pacheco out, while R.J. Harvey is a flex play with passing-game upside. Courtland Sutton remains TD-dependent and low-volume.
6–3 DET at 7–2 PHI (PHI -2.5, O/U 46.5)
One of the slate’s best fantasy games. Start Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and Devonta Smith confidently against a Detroit secondary allowing 32 points per game to WRs. For Detroit, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta are locked in; Jameson Williams is rising with the new play-calling, but still a boom/bust WR3.
3–5–1 DAL at 2–7 LV (DAL -3.5, O/U 50.5)
Dallas is the side you trust, with Dak Prescott, Deedee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte Williams, and Jake Ferguson all strong plays. The Raiders’ viability rests on whether Dallas’ defense actually improved out of the bye. Tre Tucker and Tyler Lockett are playable, and Brock Bowers should rebound in a plus matchup. Geno Smith is volatile but carries a ceiling in a projected shootout.
Fantasy Faceoff
Wheel of Shame:
Jason lost the tiebreaker and spun into the “Peace Out” mask, a horrifying, barely breathable latex monster that completely covered his eyes. Andy and Mike read his lineup aloud while he sat in darkness, contemplating his choices and mortality. Definitely worth a watch on YouTube.
This week’s picks:
Andy
QB: Joe Flacco — more than 262.5 passing yards
RB: Jacory Croskey-Merritt — less than 32.5 rushing yards
WR: Jerry Jeudy — more than 40.5 receiving yards
TE: Jake Ferguson — more than 19.5 yards
Mike
QB: Geno Smith — more than 223.5 passing yards
RB: Chase Brown — more than 19.5 receiving yards
WR: Tez Johnson — more than 19.5 receiving yards
TE: Zach Ertz — more than 41.5 receiving yards
Mike
QB: Dillon Gabriel — more than 32.5 pass attempts
RB: R.J. Harvey — more than 2.5 receptions
WR: Tee Higgins — more than 59.5 receiving yards
TE: Trey McBride — more than 5.5 receptions
Don’t forget to join Mike for Sunday Live to get all of your last-minute lineup decisions answered.
Good luck in week 11, FootClan!