The air is getting thinner and thinner as we ascend to the fabled peak of fantasy football. The week 11 wire is one of the slimmest all season and there aren’t many guys I would be excited about adding. I hope you all have been storing away sustenance to get through the next 2 major bye weeks.
It will continue to be a slog until the contenders have been separated from the amateurs and life is renewed in week 14. Hang in there even if you’re sitting at 4-6. As long as 7-6 is possible, keep the dream alive my friends!
Priority will be classified in 4 ways:
HIGH – immediate starter on most teams and trade bait at worst; be aggressive!
MEDIUM – probable FLEX-level starter right now; add if you have need at the position.
LOW – still a lottery ticket, but showing signs of growth; add if you have bench room.
FREE – likely can add post-waivers without using FAAB or priority if your league allows.
Players with “PPR+” designation mean they will be extra useful in formats that reward receptions.
Snap rates courtesy of Jared Smola (@SmolaDS) who was tweeting them out all Monday morning!
First Aid Kit
Players set to inherit a bigger role due to injury
Jeff Driskel, QB, DET (priority MEDIUM in multi-QB leagues pending Matt Stafford’s status) – In a shocking turn of events, Matt Stafford was declared out Saturday with a back fracture. It is unclear at this time how long he may be sidelined. Driskel did an admirable job in his absence throwing for 269 yards and a beautiful, scrambling deep touchdown to Kenny Golladay. He also has a little run to his game, chipping in 37 yards on the ground.
This is clearly just a multi-QB league add but Driskel wasn’t that bad for the Bengals last year finishing as a top 24 QB in weeks 10-16. If you’re forced to play him at least he has some ideal matchups down the stretch against Washington (week 12) and Tampa Bay (week 15).
Brian Hill, RB, ATL (priority HIGH pending Devonta Freeman’s status) – Freeman left Sunday’s game with a foot/ankle injury, being ruled out of the game immediately. Hill assumed lead back duties and received 21 touches earning 71 total yards and a score.
The 3rd year back was a workhorse for the Wyoming Cowboys but his senior year in 2016 was the last time he really impressed on a football field. He has a big build, can take on a heavy workload and showed some receiving ability in college. It would be hard to say he’s an upgrade over Freeman but I would expect similar output if he is thrust into a starting role.
UPDATE – Freeman is expected to miss “a few” weeks.
JD McKissic, RB, DET (priority LOW; PPR+) – Ty Johnson left with a possible concussion, but hasn’t done much since Kerryon went to IR anyway. McKissic did handle 10 carries and 6 receptions which is nice in PPR formats. I think if Johnson misses time Paul Perkins will get some carries, but JDM just may be a useful FLEX in the meantime.
Powerbars
High calorie options to grab for a boost
Kalen Ballage, RB, MIA (priority MEDIUM) – I list Ballage as a medium because primary ball carriers are always needed in fantasy, and he saw 24 total touches in a rare Dolphins W against the Colts. Unfortunately the results were less than thrilling as he ended the day with just 45 scoreless yards. I don’t think he’s a very good player, but you can’t ask for much better opportunity off the wire.
Darius Slayton, WR, NYG (priority MEDIUM) – I have mentioned Slayton previously, as he was an intriguing prospect coming out of Auburn. Anyone with 4.3 speed should get our attention and he has now shown a more complete profile. You don’t get 14 targets in the NFL if you’re a one trick pony.
While he has scored 2 TDs in a game before, this Sunday was his best game as a Giant. Evan Engram was out and it was a plumb matchup, but he commanded more targets than Golden Tate and produced an astonishing 10-121-2 line. Slayton is staking a claim to be a real contributor on this team and Daniel Jones is finding him often.
James Washington, WR, PIT (priority LOW) – The Steelers’ passing game volume is not large enough to sustain multiple pass catchers for fantasy. In week 10 it was Washington who showed up hauling in 6 of 7 targets for 90 yards and a score. Five Steelers saw at least 6 targets so they spread it around. JWash is still clinging to some dynasty intrigue but in redraft I think this should be treated as a blip for now.
Demaryius Thomas, WR, NYJ (priority FREE) – Let me introduce you to Jets legend, Demaryius Thomas. Who am I kidding, I can’t endorse this pickup. It is my obligation to inform you he saw a team high 9 targets and reeled in 6-82 but I am not picking him up. I would need to see more of a trend, and even then this would be an absolute desperation add.
Stragglers
Leave these guys behind, it’s time to move on
Frank Gore, RB, BUF – We’ve seen the passing of the torch to impressive rookie Devin Singletary. Gore did get one attempt at the goal line which he failed to convert, but otherwise only saw 33% of snaps.
Sterling Shepard, WR, NYG – I don’t see a big role for Shep even when he comes back. Keep him if you have a spot but if you need an addition he’s an easy cut for me.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, GB – Why are you 39% holding on? Only a desperation hold in deep dynasty at this point.
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