Fantasy Football: top starts and sits for Week 11

Starts

Start of the Week: Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans

Mariota has been on fire in recent weeks, and that will continue into Week 11. The Titans travel to Indianapolis to face one of the worst secondaries in the NFL, allowing the fourth most points to quarterbacks this season. Look for Mariota to have another big day against the Colts.

The entire Steelers offense

This is the “who is playing the Browns” segment of the article. One of the best offenses in the NFL versus one of the worst defenses. Eli Rogers is strong sleeper option this week in deeper leagues.

Jamison Crowder, WR, Washington Redskins

While there is a chance that DeSean Jackson could return this week, Crowder is still a starting option. As one of the most pleasant surprises this season, Crowder sits in the top 20 of wide receiver points scored, and has scored at least 10 points in each of his last four games. Against the Packers porous secondary, Crowder’s potential remains strong.

Isaiah Crowell, RB, Cleveland Browns

Crowell has not been good at all in his past two games, totaling just 11 points, and just 15 carries. However, in those games, he faced two of the strongest rushing defenses in the league, the Cowboys and Ravens respectively. This week the Browns take on the Steelers, a team who has allowed the third most points to running backs. Crowell should get back on track this week.

Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants

The Giants will take on the league worst Bears secondary this week, and a big passing day should be expected as a result. Odell Beckham Jr. is obviously a must start, but so is his rookie counterpart. Shepard has scored a touchdown in each of the last two games. ESPN has Shepard projected at 7 points (as of 3:30 pm on Thursday 11/17), a projection that warrants taking the over.

Theo Riddick, RB, Detroit Lions

Riddick continues to be the top back for the Lions, and in Week 11, he will get ones of his best matchups. Riddick will face the incredibly inconsistent Jaguars run defense, and Riddick should continue his strong balance of work in the run and pass phases, a true dual threat at running back.

Sits

Cardinals wide receivers

No, the Vikings defense has not been as good as it had been toward the beginning of the year. But they still are allowing the second fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. The Cardinals passing offense has been nowhere near what it was last year, and Carson Palmer will likely struggle in this game. Add in the fact that it is being played in Minnesota. The entire Cardinals passing attack could be in for a rough day.

Ty Montgomery, WR/RB, Green Bay Packers

With James Starks fully healthy, and the addition of Christine Michael to the roster, Montgomery is due to see significantly less time, if any, at running back. He still has earned himself a place as a wide receiver, but he seems to be behind Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams in the pecking order for targets. Montgomery suddenly has become droppable.

Christine Michael, RB, Green Bay Packers

This really isn’t supposed to be hating on the Packers, but Michael won’t see much work in his first, game with such limited time to learn the system. Plus, with the tenured James Starks in front of Michael the Packers wont rush to turn to Michael. However, Michael seems like the better option for the remainder of the season, so while he shouldn’t be started this week, make sure he is one your roster if available.

Thomas Rawls, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Rawls is a big name who will likely be activated for the first time since Week 2 this week. However, as of right now, C.J. Prosise is the go-to guy out of the Seattle backfield, after a game in which he had 153 yards from scrimmage against the Patriots. Like Michael, Rawls is a better long term option, but right now should be on your bench.

Marvin Jones, WR, Detroit Lions

Jones will be seeing a lot of rookie Jalen Ramsey on Sunday, and it is a matchup he will likely struggle with. Jones just hasn’t been the same since earlier in the season, and Golden Tate seems like the much better option for the Lions in terms of fantasy. Help is coming soon for Jones owners, as after this week against the Jaguars, and next week against the Vikings, the Lions will face the Saints followed by the Bears.