Week 11 Waiver Wire for Fantasy Football
Another week of byes is upon us in week 11, so you probably need a waiver wire fill in or two, as do your competitors. Consequently, you should consider very carefully where you want to invest this week's claims. That decision is ultimately yours, but I'm here to help you out with reviews of all the top fantasy football waiver wire adds going into Week 11 of the NFL season.
Just a friendly reminder that in my weekly waiver wire pickups overview column, I only highlight players owned in fewer than 50% of leagues on Fleaflicker. There very well may be other options out there, so be sure to read all of RotoBaller's Week 11 waiver wire analysis. And of course, you can always stop by the RotoBaller chat rooms for any live advice you may need.
For now, check out my waiver wire thoughts below for Week 11, but be sure to come back to see my rankings when they're posted right here on RotoBaller later on in the week!
Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickup Options
1. Josh McCown @ Redskins - 15% Owned on Fleaflicker
While I wasn't happy that the Bucs switched from Mike Glennon to McCown, both are capable of delivering strong performances in the right matchup. McCown had a very respectable game in his return last week with 300 yards and 2 touchdowns while also leading the team in rush yards (39). His matchup against the Redskins this coming week is just as good so you can expect another solid day from McCown.
2. Teddy Bridgewater @ Bears - 18% Owned on Fleaflicker
Sure the Bears have faced two elite QBs the past two weeks but in essentially just 6 quarters (both leaving early in blowouts), Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers combined for 10 touchdowns and over 300 yards a piece. Do I expect the same from Bridgewater? Of course not, but coming off his bye against a demoralized Bears team he has a great chance to be a solid streaming option for you.
3. Derek Carr @ Chargers - 18% Owned on Fleaflicker
Derek Carr is not a very exciting option but in Week 6 he had what is easily his best game of the year against the Chargers. I doubt he can repeat but he should be able to put up some points and won't kill you. He's passed for 190 yards with two touchdowns each of the past two weeks against tough opponents (SEA/DEN). Expect better here.
Other QBs Worth Mentioning: I like Robert Griffin III (61%) a lot this week and he's out there in plenty of leagues. Andy Dalton (78%) and Jay Cutler (91%) are likely to be dropped in some leagues. Less likely on Cutler being dropped but if they do and you are looking to add a QB, scoop them up.
Running Back Waiver Wire Pickup Options
1. C.J. Anderson @ Rams - 4% Owned on Fleaflicker
I went from feeling pretty good about the Broncos RB situation to totally unsure what to make of it. With Ronnie Hillman banged up, C.J. Anderson exploded and propelled the Broncos to a huge lead at which point they decided to rest Hillman for precautionary reasons.
2. Bryce Brown /Anthony Dixon @ Dolphins - 15% / 18% Owned on Fleaflicker
Even with Fred Jackson coming back there is room for one of these guys to do some damage in fantasy. That is no guarantee but I like Bryce Brown. He led the Bills in snaps yesterday (27 vs 26 for FJax and 22 for Dixon) and had the most touches at 13. He did fumble but I felt he did an excellent job finishing at 100 total yards and catching six of his seven targets. On the other hand, Anthony "Boobie" Dixon led the team in rushing and YPC with an impressive 6.9. Bryce Brown also fumbled (although he didn't appear to be benched for it). I still like Bryce Brown as the add here but I would add Dixon in deeper leagues as well.
3. Theo Riddick @ Cardinals - 11% Owned on Fleaflicker
Riddick is not an appealing option because Joique Bell and Reggie Bush are still ahead of him but Bush was dinged up once again this past week. Riddick didn't see much time but he did catch the game-winning pass and you can be sure that is going to get him some attention from coaches. Bush is looking close to done and there is a good chance another injury is soon to come. If you have roster space, Riddick is worth an add because he makes a very nice flex if Bush is out again.
Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickup Options
1. Andrew Hawkins vs Texans - 48% Owned on Fleaflicker
Hawkins was inactive last week as a game-time decision and should be good to go against the Texans. The Texans are #2 in most fantasy points allowed to WRs and for one more week Hawkins is the #1 guy in Cleveland. Beyond this coming week I think he is more likely to be helped by Josh Gordon's return than hurt. Gordon will probably command a double-team which should leave Hawkins pretty open most of the time so I think he is a solid add for the playoff run.
2. Jarvis Landry vs Bills - 12% Owned on Fleaflicker
It's pretty amazing that Landry currently sits outside my top 10 rookie WRs because this guy is good. He led the team in targets and receptions this past week. He didn't do a ton with his 7 receptions but he's establishing himself as a trusted option for Ryan Tannehill. Landry has at least three catches in every game since Week 2. He's unlikely to have a monster performance but even in a Thursday game against the tough Bills this week I like Landry as a solid WR3.
3. John Brown vs Lions - 23% Owned on Fleaflicker
While the Cardinals as a whole are hurt by Carson Palmer's injury, John Brown might actually get an upgrade in value. Drew Stanton came in the game and it didn't take long for him to find John Brown on a deep pass for a touchdown. In fact, courtesy of John Paulsen on Twitter (@4for4_John), Stanton has three touchdowns on the season, all three are to Mr. John Brown. He's likely to end up spreading the touchdowns around some more but John Brown is an exceptional talent who can definitely put up some big numbers in any given week.
Tight End Waiver Wire Pickup Options
1. Kyle Rudolph / Chase Ford @ Bears - 48% / 1% Owned on Fleaflicker
Kyle Rudolph hopes to return this week against the Bears. Whether he does or does not, I want to stream the Vikings starting TE this week against the Bears. For whatever reason Chicago has been obliterated by opposing tight ends lately, allowing 7 touchdowns to TEs over the past three games. Even in the latest blowout against GB, the two tight end touchdowns came while the game was still a game. The trend may not continue but Chase Ford has gone over 60 yards in each of the past two games and Rudolph would probably be the #1 red zone threat for this team.
2. Mychal Rivera @ Chargers - 29% Owned on Fleaflicker
Rivera has been great lately, averaging 7 receptions and a score over his past three games. The Chargers are pretty tough against tight ends but Rivera appears to have grown into one of Carr's favorite targets. I like him a little more in PPR but Rivera is a solid play in any format.
3. Austin Seferian-Jenkins @ Redskins - 9% Owned on Fleaflicker
It wasn't a huge day but ASJ did enough to show promise with Josh McCown as QB. He had a career high 5 catches and his second touchdown in three weeks. The Redskins are a fairly good matchup and with the running game struggling you can expect the Bucs to continue throwing quite a bit. I would like to see him increase his yardage this coming week and I think there is a good chance of that happening.