The best part about fantasy football is winning. The second best part is the draft. However, the draft has come and gone, and fantasy owners struggle with who to start, who to sit, and who to target as a sleeper each week. Thankfully, four of our writers (Mike Fanelli, Joshua Abbe, Mason Thompson, and MJ Hurley) offer up their takes on who fantasy owners should start, sit, and play as a sleeper this week. Be sure to follow all of them on Twitter and reach out with any fantasy football questions you may have. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Quarterbacks
*Starts*
Justin Herbert vs New York Jets
Herbert is coming off his worst performance of the year last week, where he completed only 62.5 percent of his throws for 187 yards. If not for the three total touchdowns, Herbert would of scored under 20 fantasy points for the first time since Week 3. However, he should bounce back this week against the Jets as they give up an average of 20.9 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Furthermore, they have given up eight passing touchdowns over their last four games. Herbert has top-five upside this week. – Mike
Joe Burrow at Washington Football Team
Borrow had one of his worst games as a pro last week but still completed 50 percent of his passing attempts for the game. Burrow is throwing more than 40 times a game, and with talented receivers like Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, Burrow should have a good game, even against a talented Washington front four. – Joshua
Ben Roethlisberger at Jacksonville Jaguars
Roethlisberger had the best game of the season last week. That was after not practicing during the week. He comes off of his four-touchdown performance and faces off against the Jaguars. Jacksonville is allowing the third-most fantasy points to the quarterback position this year. Roethlisberger and Pittsburgh’s potent passing attack should be able to take advantage of a young Jacksonville secondary. – Mason
Jared Goff at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although Goff has not been the prototypical fantasy quarterback through the first ten weeks of the season, the matchup with the Bucs presents an interesting game for him. Jason Pierre-Paul and Mike Edwards were both limited all week, and the Rams have the speed on offense to match the young Bucs defense. After two straight games passing for over 300 yards, Goff is poised to continue the offensive dominance, even against a good Tampa Bay defense. – MJ
*Sits*
Tom Brady vs Los Angeles Rams
After his three-interception game in Week 9, Brady bounced back against the Panthers last week, scoring four total touchdowns and 31.8 fantasy points. It marked the second times in the last four weeks where Brady had four or more touchdowns and over 31 fantasy points. However, he won’t come anywhere near close to doing either Monday night. The Rams are giving up the third-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, giving up only 14.2 per game. Furthermore, over their last six games, the Rams have held quarterbacks to a total of four passing touchdowns and an average of 11.2 fantasy points per game. – Mike
Drew Lock vs Miami Dolphins
Lock has not been playing up to par this season. Not having Courtland Sutton has really affected him, but he continues to struggle for 2020. He does have a rib injury and split reps this week with backup Brett Rypien. Also, factor in how Miami’s defense has played stellar for the year. For me, Lock is a bench rider this weekend. – Joshua
Ryan Tannehill at Baltimore Ravens
Tannehill has struggled each game since Week 7. That streak should continue this week against Baltimore, who has been consistent against opposing quarterbacks, ranking tenth-best. Tannehill needs to get the ball into A.J. Brown‘s hands early and often in this game to keep pace with Baltimore. – Mason
Carson Wentz at Cleveland Browns
For anyone who is still considering starting Wentz, don’t. The Browns have allowed a combined 23 points in their last two games, and Wentz does not have his main weapon in Zach Ertz. With Miles Sanders returning to action for the Eagles, the focus of the offense will not be the passing game. With 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions through the year, Wentz’s talent no longer warrants a starting consideration in fantasy. – MJ
*Sleepers*
Kirk Cousins vs Dallas Cowboys
No one likes starting Cousins, but if you need a last-minute replacement at quarterback, he should be your target. Cousin has scored 17.5 or more fantasy points in three of his last four games, throwing for nine touchdowns during that span. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are giving up just under 20 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They have given up at least two passing touchdowns in four straight games. Furthermore, the Cowboys are giving up an average of 2.5 passing touchdowns per game since Week 1. – Mike
Cam Newton at Houston Texans
Going into a favorable matchup Sunday, the Texans have allowed the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Newton has produced on the ground but has been able to push the ball downfield as well. He has improved his turnover rate over the last three weeks and looks ready for a breakout game. Don’t be surprised if Cam has his best game of the season tomorrow. – Joshua
P.J. Walker vs Detroit Lions
With Teddy Bridgewater likely out, it will come down to Walker or Will Grier as the starter for Carolina. The former XFL star has a great opportunity to be a streaming option against a Detroit defense that is allowing the 13th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year. Carolina will look to keep up with Detroit in a game that will be a high-scoring tout. If Walker gets the start, he could finish the week as a top 12 quarterback. – Mason
Alex Smith vs Cincinnati Bengals
Smith threw for 390 yards last week against Detroit in his first NFL start since the horrific leg injury he suffered. With Terry McLaurin as a true number one receiver, Smith has the weapons to be consistently productive in the passing game. Although Antonio Gibson will warrant some attention in the running game, Washington showed the willingness to emphasize the air attack with Smith at the helm last week. Facing Joe Burrow and the pass-happy Bengals, this game could easily turn into a shootout. – MJ
Running Backs
*Starts*
Damien Harris at Houston Texans
Despite only scoring one touchdown this season, Harris has taken over the starting running back role in New England. More importantly, Harris has rushed for 100 or more yards in half of his games this season, including two of his last three. Meanwhile, the Texans are giving up an average of 30 fantasy points per game to running backs. They have given up 88 or more rushing yards in all but one game this season. Furthermore, they have given up 230 or more rushing yards in two of their last four games. Harris is a safe floor RB2 this week, thanks to his role and matchup. – Mike
Antonio Gibson vs Cincinnati Bengals
Gibson has been crushing it lately, and now he’s getting passes out the backfield. With Alex Smith under center, Gibson could break out in the second half of the season. The Bengals have been giving up a ton of rushing yards, 27th in rushing defense for the league. If he can manage the rushing touchdowns, which he has four combined in his last three games, then the RB1 upside conversation could be a regular one soon. – Joshua
Miles Sanders at Cleveland Browns
Sanders returned to action last week and showed the same burst he’s always had. This week, he gets to go against the Browns, who are surprisingly doing well against running backs. With the passing attack struggling in Philadelphia, they could turn to Sanders and pound him against Cleveland. This game will likely be close, and the Eagles will need to use Sanders every bit they can. – Mason
Salvon Ahmed vs Denver Broncos
Last week against the Chargers, Ahmed ran for 85 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. With Matt Breida and Patrick Laird limited in practice this week and Myles Gaskin still out, Ahmed is in line for another big day against the struggling Broncos defense. Either way, look for valuable involvement in the rushing and passing game. – MJ
*Sits*
Todd Gurley at New Orleans Saints
Gurley is the RB11 on the season, averaging 15 fantasy points per game. However, he has averaged under three yards per carry in four straight games. The only reason his fantasy production hasn’t fallen off a cliff is because of the four rushing touchdowns during that span. However, the Saints are giving up the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, giving up 18.6 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, they haven’t given up a rushing touchdown since Week 4. Gurley is a risky flex option at best. – Mike
Melvin Gordon vs Miami Dolphins
The Broncos’ backfield hasn’t been fantasy friendly this season. They are trailing a lot this season, which is part of the problem. To make things worse for Gordon, Phillip Lindsay might start cutting into his workload more. Until things turn around, avoid this backfield. – Joshua
Ronald Jones vs Los Angeles Rams
The Rams defense has been surprisingly well under Brandon Staley. Los Angeles is allowing the fourth-lowest amount of fantasy points to the running back position this year. This game could turn into a low-scoring defensive battle on Monday night, and the Rams need to do anything to keep the Bucs from scoring. Find other options besides Jones. – Mason
Aaron Jones vs Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have the best defense in the NFL, and the Packers are pass-happy. With Allen Lazard returning from injury and the Colts dealing with a few injuries in the secondary, Green Bay will rely much more on the passing game than Jones. Indianapolis allows the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the NFL, and their goal line defense is stout against the run. Jones may get a stray touchdown and will probably have decent touches in PPR, but won’t be as valuable as he usually is on Sunday. – MJ
*Sleepers*
Adrian Peterson at Carolina Panthers
Unfortunately for the Lions, they will be without D’Andre Swift after he suffered a concussion during his career game last week. To make matters worse for the Lions, they will be without wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola tomorrow as well. While this isn’t ideal for the Lions, it’s perfect for Peterson’s fantasy owners. The Panthers have given up an average of 28.7 fantasy points per game to running backs, including 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Furthermore, last week they have given up 100 or more rushing yards in three of their previous four games. Peterson could easily see 25 touches tomorrow and has top 20 upside this week. – Mike
Duke Johnson vs New England Patriots
Even though Johnson’s starting opportunity last week didn’t go as planned, the weather might have been a factor. Regardless, he was on the field 95 percent of the time for the game. Those are numbers we want to see facing a defense giving up the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs over the last four weeks. Hard to pass those numbers up playing inside a closed stadium. – Joshua
La’Mical Perine at Los Angeles Chargers
The Jets are still the Jets. Well, this could be the one week where they come close to winning and not blowing it in the final minutes. The Chargers aren’t good against the run, and Perine was getting more touches before the bye week. He could finally have his breakout game this week. – Mason
Darrell Henderson Jr. at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even with the other running backs in the Rams backfield getting action, depending on the week, Henderson has been a consistent fantasy option in most leagues. Henderson averages over 10 points per game in PPR leagues, and there is no reason he cannot be at least a flex option this week. – MJ
Wide Receivers
*Starts*
Jakobi Meyers at Houston Texans
In the three weeks that Julian Edelman has been on injured reserve, Meyers has stepped up as the Patriots’ number one wide receiver, averaging 10.3 targets per game. He is averaging 19.5 fantasy points per game despite not getting into the end zone. However, he might get his first receiving touchdown of the season against the Texans. So far this season, the Texans are giving up an average of just under 40 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. They have given up 200 or more receiving yards to the position in four of their last six games. Furthermore, the Texans have given up 13 touchdowns to wide receivers this season. – Mike
Tee Higgins at Washington Football Team
Higgins has been very solid for those taking him late in drafts or scooping him up early into the year. Having a quarterback throwing 40 times a game, what else is not to like about him. Higgins has scored double-digit points every game since Week 3 and manages at least 18 fantasy points in three of his last four games. I know some think the matchup may not be there, but Higgins is a must-start at this point. – Joshua
Justin Jefferson vs Dallas Cowboys
Jefferson had a great game last week against Chicago, and he will continue that this week against Dallas, who allows the third-most points to the wide receiver position. The Vikings should be able to make easy work of Dallas, and Jefferson will play a big role in doing so. – Mason
Marvin Jones vs Carolina Panthers
Jones has at least one receiving touchdown each of his last three games. The Panthers have been struggling, and Jones has become the goal line favorite for Matthew Stafford. Jones has averaged at least four or five targets, a touchdown, and 40-50 receiving yards in each of the last few weeks. With Carolina reeling recently and allowing 27 points per game, Jones should have another productive fantasy day. – MJ
*Sits*
Michael Pittman Jr. vs Green Bay Packers
Last week Pittman broke out against the Titans, catching seven of eight targets for 101 yards while rushing for another 21 yards. However, he isn’t likely to repeat that performance this week. The Packers are giving up an average of 33.6 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Furthermore, they have held wide receivers to one or fewer touchdowns in seven straight games this season. If Jaire Alexander and Kevin King play in this game, the entire Colts’ wide receiver core will struggle. – Mike
Henry Ruggs III vs Kansas City Chiefs
As you look at when the Raiders played the Chiefs Week 5 and see Ruggs with 118 receiving yards and a touchdown, you’d think to plug him in again. Make sure you continue to read the box score as it was on only two catches for that day and a 72-yard touchdown was one of them. It’s hard to believe the Chiefs let that happen to them again. Unless he gets loose, production will be hard to come by Sunday. – Joshua
All Buccaneers’ Wide Receivers vs Los Angeles Rams
Jalen Ramsey is showing why many thought he was the best cornerback in the league, and the emergence of Darious Williams on the other side has been of great help. Add in John Johnson and Jordan Fuller in the back end, and the Rams are set to stop Tampa Bay’s potent offense. Staley could make Brady have fits and end up throwing it right into the defender’s hands instead of his own receiver’s hands. Try finding other options. – Mason
DJ Chark vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers defense is good, and the Jaguars offense has been struggling. James Robinson is the focus of that offense, and with Gardner Minshew likely out, Jacksonville has not been passing early or often. Chark only has one touchdown in the last five games and has zero games with over seven targets. Against a stout Pittsburgh defense, Chark is not a viable start. – MJ
*Sleepers*
Marquise Brown vs Tennessee Titans
Brown has been very boom or bust this season. He has three games with 12.5 or more fantasy points but has scored under 9.5 in the other six. However, he is getting the targets needed to be an impact player. Brown has seen five or more targets are all but one game this season. He has a great chance to boom tomorrow as the Titans are giving up the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, giving up 45.6 per game. Furthermore, they have given up 44.5 fantasy points or more to wide receivers in seven of their last eight games. – Mike
Jerry Jeudy vs Miami Dolphins
Yes, this Broncos’ offense isn’t pretty, but Jeudy is a different story here. He’s scored double-digit points the past three weeks. Miami has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers for the season. Jeudy has flex/WR2 potential this weekend. – Joshua
Denzel Mims at Los Angeles Chargers
Two Jets are listed as sleepers here, and I know what you’re thinking. The reason for this is that the Chargers always seem to play down to their competition. The Jets could very well win this game and will likely be in contention to do so late in the game. Mims has been a consistent playmaker since he’s been active for New York and could finally break out this week. – Mason
Travis Fulgham at Cleveland Browns
Although Wentz is not a starter this week, Fulgham is a borderline starter. The rookie receiver is averaging five or six targets each of the last five weeks and is dynamic enough to always be on touchdown watch. Fulgham has three touchdowns in his last five games and averages over 10 yards per catch. The Browns secondary will allow Fulgham to get back on track after a slow Week 10. – MJ
Tight Ends
*Starts*
T.J. Hockenson at Carolina Panthers
Despite not getting much attention from the fantasy world, Hockenson is the TE3 on the season, averaging 11.7 fantasy points per game. Before last week’s game against Washington, Hockenson had three straight games with six or more targets and 13.5 or more fantasy points. However, look for him to bounce back tomorrow against the Panthers, as they are giving up an average of 13.8 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Furthermore, they gave up two touchdowns to Buccaneers’ tight ends last week despite only allowing five competitions to the position. Hockenson is in line for a big game this week regardless if Matthew Stafford plays or not. – Mike
Hayden Hurst at New Orleans Saints
Hurst has been consistent recently, scoring double-digit points in his last four straight. Calvin Ridley returns this week, and that should take the defense’s attention off of Hurst. The Saints have given up six touchdowns to tight ends for 2020, making this an enticing matchup come Sunday. – Joshua
Austin Hooper vs Philadelphia Eagles
Hooper put up a dud in the ferocious Cleveland win last week against Houston. He should finally get back into his consistent production he was putting up before he had an appendicitis procedure. The Eagles are allowing the sixth-most points to the tight end position, and Hooper has consistently been one of Baker Mayfield‘s favorite targets. – Mason
Dallas Goedert at Cleveland Browns
Once again, Wentz will make mistakes in Week 11, but Goedert has proven to be a viable option at tight end. With six targets last week against the Giants, Goedert has slowly improved his standing with Wentz. Until Ertz returns from injury, Goedert should get starting tight end consideration. – MJ
*Sits*
Noah Fant vs Miami Dolphins
Not only is Fant dealing with an ankle injury, but he also may not have Lock tomorrow either. To make matters worst, since his strong two-week start to the season, Fant has scored double-digit fantasy points only once over his last six games. He has failed to find the end zone since Week 2 and had only 18 receiving yards on seven targets last week. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are giving up an average of only 9.5 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, they have held tight ends to a total of three touchdowns this season and an average of four catches per game over the last two weeks. – Mike
Trey Burton vs Green Bay Packers
The Packers have done a good job slowing down tight ends, giving up only one touchdown to the position this season. Burton’s snap count has decreased recently. Last week he played 37 out of 70 snaps while fellow tight end Mo Alie-Cox out-snapped him. Smart fantasy owners will avoid any and all Colts’ tight ends this week. – Joshua
Jonnu Smith at Baltimore Ravens
Smith has been touchdown-dependent this year. He hasn’t had more than two passes in any of his last five games, and that is a major concern. Smith will have tough sledding this week against a Baltimore defense that has been good against tight ends. – Mason
Rob Gronkowski vs Los Angeles Rams
Yes, Gronkowski has four touchdowns in the last five games, but that was against four weak defenses. Against the fast-paced Saints defense, Gronkowski struggled. With a matchup against the Rams this week. Gronkowski will not be the focus of the offense in or out of the red zone. – MJ
*Sleepers*
Logan Thomas vs Cincinnati Bengals
Thomas has been inconsistent this season, but he has consistently gotten targets. He has seen at least four targets in every game this season and is averaging six targets per game since Washington’s bye week. Last week he scored 10.6 fantasy points against the Lions, making it the third time in the four games where Thomas scored double-digit fantasy points. Meanwhile, the Bengals are giving up an average of 16.3 fantasy points per game to tight ends. Furthermore, they have given up six touchdowns to the position over their last five games. Thomas should continue to see the volume needed to score 10 or more fantasy points tomorrow. – Mike
Tyler Higbee at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s been tough to figure out which, if any, of Rams’ tight end to start each week. However, Higbee has a chance to have a big game Monday. The Buccaneers have given up four touchdowns to the tight end position over the last four weeks. Higbee was targeted as often as Robert Woods last week and is seeing his role in the passing game grow. If you need a high upside play at tight end this week, Higbee is the ideal option. – Joshua
Mike Gesicki at Denver Broncos
One of these days, Gesicki will finally produce, right? He’s had nine targets over the last two weeks with Tua Tagovailoa starting, and the Dolphins play the Broncos this week to attempt to continue their winning streak. Denver is good against tight ends, but Gesicki should be able to find some production this week. – Mason
Jared Cook vs Atlanta Falcons
Before facing the well-coached Bucs and 49ers defense, Cook had three straight games with a touchdown. The Falcons defense is one of the worst in the NFL, and with Taysom Hill starting at quarterback, Cook will be a favorite target over the middle and in the red zone. Although the Saints’ offense will be volatile on Sunday, look for Cook to do well. – MJ
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