Get some insider tips on who to start or sit this week from our fantasy expert Jason Feiner!
Quarterbacks
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Every year for the past few seasons, we have seen an 8-game Roethlisberger step on the field — he is electric at Hines Field and struggles away. But this narrative has changed in 2018. Since the horrid 3 interception performance in week 1 against the Browns, he has combined for 6 touchdowns and 1 interception in three away games this year. Don’t let this be the only argument that keeps Big Ben in your lineup against the feared Jaguars defense. Jacksonville is banged up and is missing two of their top three cornerbacks, and as a result, have allowed 21.2 points to Andrew Luck, 23.6 points to Carson Wentz, and 29.5 points to Dak Prescott. Keep the Pittsburgh quarterback in your lineup as the playoffs approach.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Eli Manning, New York Giants
It is always nerve-wracking when starting a bottom of the barrel fantasy quarterback, but Eli hasn’t been bad this season and he is protecting the ball. The Giants are coming off of a 4th quarter game-winning drive, and have an excellent matchup in week 11 against a porous Buccaneer defense. Tampa has given up the 3rd most points to opposing quarterbacks this season, allowing 24 points per game to the position. Start Eli with confidence, as he will put together numbers worthy of a QB1.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Mitch Trubisky, Chicago Bears
Trubisky has been outstanding this season… for the most part. Once in a while he puts up a bust game, and in week 11 he will be playing Chicago’s division rival Minnesota Vikings on the road. They have a relentless pass rush led by Danielle Hunter, and it will be boosted by the return of Everson Griffen. The Vikings have allowed just over 16 points per game to the QB position, and have a good chance to dominate the Bears from the get-go. Stay away from Chicago’s signal caller, as he will have better matchups in the coming weeks.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Running Backs
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts
Mack is certain to help owners make a deep playoff run and possibly pull off a championship victory, but the Colts still have two stout run defenses on their schedule down the stretch. They will be playing the Titans, who have become one of the premier defenses in the league and are ranked as the number two defense against running backs. Stay away from Mack in a tough matchup that could see the entire Colts offense struggle.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Dion Lewis, Tennessee Titans
Lewis is the clear cut number 1 running back on Tennessee’s depth chart and has an active role within their passing game. He will be playing a weak Colts run defense that has allowed 27 points and 107.8 yards per game to opposing backs. Lewis will need to be heavily involved in the Titans game plan if they want a fighting chance to beat Indy’s high powered offense.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Lamar Miller, Houston Texans
Miller has been heavily inconsistent this season and just received 12 attempts in their week 10 win. Now he will be facing the number 4 ranked defense against the run, which has shut down the likes of Saquon Barkley, Zeke Elliot and Christian McCaffrey. Stay away from Miller as his workload is not guaranteed in a terrible matchup.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons
With Julio Jones finally getting involved in the red zone and the Falcons facing the number two fantasy defense against receivers, there isn’t much opportunity on the table for Calvin Ridley. The Cowboys are thick in the playoff hunt and will be doing everything they can to prevent a solid outing for Atlanta’s offense and their 9th ranked pass defense. Ridley is a risky play and ranks as my 39th receiver. Stay away from him.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM
Sterling Shepard, New York Giants
Expect the Giants skill players to put on a show against the Bucs, and Sterling Shepard is no exception. The slot receiver should rank as a mid-tier WR2 by Sunday’s end and has a good chance to get into the end zone against a team that has allowed a league leading 23 touchdown passes. Keep him in your lineup.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Tight Ends
Evan Engram, New York Giants
Sounds like we are beating a dead horse and Giants fans should rejoice. Engram has an excellent chance to breakout this week too and rank within the top 5 at the position. Play every role player against the Giants. Engram has a safe floor with an immense ceiling in week 11.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Ricky Seals-Jones, Arizona Cardinals
This may be a risky start as Seals-Jones has had limited targets throughout the season, but with high quality tight ends hitting the bye week and not many replacements, Seals-Jones is a solid play in a great matchup. The Raiders allow 14 points per game to the tight end position, ranking 25th in the league. Ricky may have a low floor, but with the potential to score he possesses a high ceiling.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts
The Titans have been dominant on the defensive side of the ball and are the number 1 defense against tight ends. Combine that with the fact Doyle has returned to the lineup and has begun to steal targets from the dynamic pass catcher, Ebron should be avoided. If he is your only option, it wouldn’t be the end of the world given the potential for a score, but their are better options on waivers.
SIT ‘EM
Defense/Special Teams
Carolina Panthers D/ST
The Lions offense has been stagnant and unproductive. Detroit has given up 7 turnovers over the past three weeks and the Panthers should be locked in as an easy top 10 play this week at home in Carolina.
Verdict: START ‘EM
Los Angeles Rams D/ST
One of the top defenses in fantasy this season should be avoided in all formats. The Chiefs-Rams game has been awarded a 64 point over under, which is the highest for any game of over the past 30 years. Expect this to be a high scoring affair, which means negative points as a likely outcome.
Verdict: SIT ‘EM