- Week 11 fantasy football preview covers every player, offers rankings, trade analyzer, playoff predictor, mock draft simulator, and waiver wire assistant.
- Injuries Shake Up Week 11 Lineups: McCaffrey, Metcalf, Hill, and More
- Baltimore’s Historic Offense and Philadelphia’s Defensive Surge Impact Fantasy Value
- What To Watch for in Offensive Lines: Protecting Your Fantasy Stars
Wed Nov 13 14:46:21 -0000 2024 UTC– Week 11 fantasy football preview covers all players; detailed analysis provided for each matchup. Additional tools available for trade analysis, NFL playoff predictions, mock drafts, and waiver wire assistance.
As we head into Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season, fantasy managers are facing critical decisions:
Injuries, shifting offensive strategies, and fluctuating team performances are creating headaches for lineup optimizers everywhere. With playoff berths on the line in many fantasy leagues, every decision counts. Here’s everything you need to know heading into the weekend.
Major Injury Updates to Watch
Injuries continue to pile up across the NFL, throwing a wrench into fantasy lineups. Here’s a roundup of the most significant injury updates heading into Week 11:
- Christian McCaffrey (SF, RB): The star running back has been a fantasy juggernaut all season, but he’s nursing a sore ankle after Week 10. San Francisco is optimistic he’ll suit up, but his workload could be limited. Fantasy managers might want to secure a backup option or consider pivoting to another high-volume RB.
- Tyreek Hill (MIA, WR): Hill exited last week’s game with a hamstring strain but returned to practice on a limited basis. The Dolphins’ deep-threat receiver is always a game-changer when healthy, but hamstrings are tricky, making him a potential game-time decision.
- DK Metcalf (SEA, WR): Metcalf is battling a nagging hip issue that could limit his explosiveness. With Seattle’s offensive line banged up, Metcalf’s ability to get open quickly may be crucial to his Week 11 output.
- Tee Higgins (CIN, WR): Higgins missed last week’s game with a rib injury and remains questionable. His status could impact not only his fantasy value but also that of quarterback Joe Burrow, who may lean more on Ja’Marr Chase if Higgins is sidelined again.
Fantasy Takeaway: Monitor the injury reports closely leading up to game day. If you’re relying on these players, consider grabbing insurance options like backup RB Elijah Mitchell (SF) or deep sleeper WR Cedrick Wilson (MIA) if Hill is ruled out.
Offensive Trends: Baltimore and Arizona on the Rise
This season, Baltimore’s offense has been on a historic tear. Lamar Jackson is not just back in MVP form; he’s setting new benchmarks in yards per play and red-zone efficiency. Fantasy managers should confidently start Jackson, Mark Andrews, and Zay Flowers, who have become reliable weekly starters.
Meanwhile, Arizona’s offense is quietly surging after a slow start to the season. QB Kyler Murray’s dual-threat capabilities have rejuvenated the Cardinals’ attack, making WR Marquise Brown and TE Trey McBride potential flex options for Week 11. The Cardinals face a vulnerable Texans defense, providing a favorable matchup.
Defensive Matchups: Play the Trends
While Baltimore’s offense is thriving, their defense is struggling, particularly against the pass. Opposing quarterbacks have been able to exploit the Ravens’ secondary, making Joe Burrow a must-start despite Cincinnati’s offensive line woes.
On the flip side, Philadelphia’s defense has been a revelation in recent weeks, climbing the rankings thanks to a relentless pass rush and improved secondary play. Fantasy managers should be cautious with starting offensive players facing the Eagles, especially with their ability to shut down opposing WR1s.
Offensive Line Rankings: Why It Matters for Your Stars
Fantasy football isn’t just about skill positions; offensive line performance can make or break a player’s fantasy value. Teams with cohesive lines can keep their quarterbacks upright and create running lanes, maximizing scoring opportunities.
For Week 11, keep an eye on:
- Detroit’s OL: They’ve been stellar in pass protection, boosting the value of Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. If you’re debating between Goff and another mid-tier QB, this might be the week to start him.
- Seattle’s OL: Injuries have taken a toll, which could limit Kenneth Walker III’s rushing efficiency and Geno Smith’s time in the pocket. Consider alternatives if you have depth at those positions.
Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Week 11 Picks
Start ‘Em:
- Raheem Mostert (MIA, RB): With Hill potentially limited, Mostert should see an increased workload against a soft Raiders run defense.
- Trey McBride (ARI, TE): Emerging as a reliable target for Kyler Murray, McBride could exploit the Texans’ weak coverage against tight ends.
- Gus Edwards (BAL, RB): With Baltimore’s offense firing on all cylinders, Edwards is a solid bet for red-zone carries.
Sit ‘Em:
- Geno Smith (SEA, QB): Facing a strong Rams defense and with Seattle’s offensive line struggling, it’s a risky start.
- Najee Harris (PIT, RB): The Steelers’ run game remains inconsistent, and Harris continues to split carries with Jaylen Warren, limiting his ceiling.
- Tyler Lockett (SEA, WR): With Metcalf banged up and the Rams defense likely to bring heavy pressure, Lockett might be hard-pressed to deliver big plays.
Conclusion:
As we enter the crucial stretch of the fantasy season, being proactive about injuries, matchups, and player trends can be the difference between securing a playoff spot or missing out. Week 11 presents several favorable matchups and injury-related pivots that could turn the tide for fantasy managers.