It’s Week 11, folks! Time to set those fantasy lineups! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate guide to the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll dive into the wide receivers who could either shine or falter based on their opponents. Just look at Jauan Jennings and DeAndre Hopkins in Week 10!
For your final lineup decisions, be sure to check out my fantasy player rankings, which I update daily! And don’t forget to subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast with Lindsay Rhodes and me as we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Byes: Buccaneers, Cardinals, Giants, Panthers
Start of the Week
Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is the standout pick for this week. Since the Steelers named Russell Wilson their starting quarterback, Pickens has ramped up his performance, scoring 20-plus PPR points in two of his last three games. He’s set to keep that momentum going against the Ravens, who have allowed more fantasy points to perimeter receivers than any other team in the league. Just last week, they surrendered a whopping 55.4 points to Ja’Marr Chase. Pickens is primed for a big game!
Start ‘Em
- Courtland Sutton vs. Falcons (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Sutton has been on fire, scoring at least 17.1 points in three consecutive games. He faces a Falcons defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to perimeter receivers since Week 7. Last week, they let Marquez Valdes-Scantling score nearly 26 points. Expect Sutton to thrive!
- Cedric Tillman at Saints (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Before the bye, Tillman was a force, scoring 18-plus points in three straight games. This week, he faces a Saints defense that has traded away its top cornerback, Marshon Lattimore, and has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards per game to wideouts. He could be a hidden gem in less competitive leagues.
- Jauan Jennings vs. Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Jennings had a stellar performance last week with seven catches and 16.3 points. He’s been incredibly productive, boasting a +27.2 Receiving Expected Points Added, which is even better than Justin Jefferson! With a projected high-scoring game against the Seahawks, Jennings is a must-start.
- Calvin Ridley vs. Vikings (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Ridley bounced back from a tough matchup last week, scoring 25.4 fantasy points. He’s now scored 22-plus points in two of his last three games, and the Vikings have allowed the third-most points per game to wideouts. Ridley is likely to be in a negative game script, which could work in his favor.
WRs With Good Matchups
As we look at the matchups, it’s clear that some wide receivers are in prime positions to excel. Players like Pickens, Sutton, and Ridley are set to take advantage of their favorable matchups. But who should you avoid this week?
Sit of the Week
Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is this week’s sit. Moore and the entire Bears offense have struggled recently, failing to score in double digits for four straight games. With Caleb Williams at quarterback, who has been among the least-accurate passers, it’s hard to trust Moore. The Packers have allowed the second-fewest points per game to receivers since Week 7, making this a tough matchup for him.
Sit ‘Em
- Jayden Reed at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox): It’s tough to sit Reed, but it might be necessary. He’s been held under 14 points in three of his last five games, including two where he scored single digits. The Bears’ defense has allowed the second-fewest points per game to receivers, making this a challenging matchup.
- Brian Thomas Jr. at Lions (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Thomas Jr. had a favorable matchup last week but only managed 3.2 points. He’s scored single digits in three of his last five games, and with Mac Jones under center, it’s hard to trust him. Even though the Lions matchup looks good, Thomas Jr. is a risky play.
- DeAndre Hopkins at Bills (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): After a lackluster performance last week, scoring just 9.6 points, Hopkins has been held to single digits in two of his first three games with the Chiefs. The Bills’ defense has allowed the eighth-fewest points per game to wideouts, making this a risky matchup for him.
- Jaylen Waddle vs. Raiders (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Waddle has struggled to capitalize on favorable matchups, finishing with just 57 yards last week. With the Raiders allowing the fewest points per game to perimeter receivers, Waddle is a player to be cautious about this week.
WRs With Bad Matchups
As we analyze the matchups, it’s evident that some wide receivers are facing uphill battles. Players like DJ Moore and DeAndre Hopkins are in tough spots, and it may be wise to consider alternatives.
With so many factors at play, setting your fantasy lineup can feel overwhelming. But remember, the key is to stay informed and make decisions based on matchups and player performance. Whether you’re starting stars like George Pickens or sitting players like DJ Moore, every decision counts in the quest for fantasy glory!
