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FFL: Week 11 | NFL: Week 11

WR Strength of Schedule

Fri May 31 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Lamb could top last season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the receiver position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to receivers last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the receivers with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the receivers that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  WR SOS  
1. Denver Broncos 531.34
2. Los Angeles Chargers 536.08
3. Miami Dolphins 537.31
4. Kansas City Chiefs 549.96
5. Las Vegas Raiders 552.89
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 554.85
7. New England Patriots 555.93
8. Buffalo Bills 556.13
9. Houston Texans 561.75
10. San Francisco 49ers 565.73
11. New Orleans Saints 566.06
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 566.19
13. Cincinnati Bengals 566.32
14. Jacksonville Jaguars 570.07
15. Baltimore Ravens 571.77
16. Seattle Seahawks 573.41
17. Minnesota Vikings 573.91
18. Philadelphia Eagles 574.46
19. Carolina Panthers 575.49
20. Los Angeles Rams 575.79
21. Washington Commanders 575.91
22. Detroit Lions 576.36
23. Atlanta Falcons 577.76
24. New York Jets 577.99
25. Tennessee Titans 578.06
26. Indianapolis Colts 578.18
27. Cleveland Browns 583.5
28. Arizona Cardinals 586.09
29. New York Giants 586.93
30. Chicago Bears 601.21
31. Dallas Cowboys 608.4
32. Green Bay Packers 610.22

 

The Packers have the easiest fantasy schedule for receivers. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson could be setup for career best seasons with this schedule. These are guys you can get a little later come draft day and mid-round options that could be difference makers for fantasy owners.

CeeDee Lamb is considered the No. 1 overall fantasy receiver for many and his schedule helps make that claim even stronger. Lamb has the second most favorable schedule for receivers. Lamb was huge last year and could improve on that even more, especially since the Cowboys could struggle to run the ball with their current options.

The Bears, Giants and Cardinals also round out the top-five most favorable receiver schedules. Chicago has a great trio of receivers with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze.  These guys could produce big as long as rookie Caleb Williams gets the job done at quarterback in year one. Moore has more to compete with for targets this year, but you still have to like his chances for a big season in year two with the Bears.

The Giants and Cardinals both have some question marks at receiver, but a couple rookies lead the way for both teams. Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison could have big rookie seasons with their new teams. These guys both have a chance to lead all rookie fantasy receivers in scoring.

On the opposite side of things, the Broncos have the most challenging schedule for receivers. The Broncos have all sorts of questions at receiver outside of Courtland Sutton. This is a unit of receivers you just might want to avoid come draft day. This schedule won’t make anything easier for this group.

The Chargers are a similar team to the Broncos, having openings and questions at receiver. So once again, it might be best to let someone else put Chargers receivers on their roster. Plus, the Chargers could be a lot more run heavy with a new coach running the show. The tough schedule and new offense make taking any Chargers receiver a bit of a risk.

There are two really good offenses on the list that have tough schedules for receivers. Both the Dolphins and Chiefs have a top-five least favorable schedule for receivers. The Dolphins have one of the best receiver duos in football, so it is tough to fade them because of this schedule. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should be able to produce big numbers once again in this offense.

The Chiefs are a little more concerning. This offense is a little matchup proof, but don’t have that elite receiver on their roster. Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown lead the way. Brown hasn’t been great in recent seasons and Rice is facing a suspension. These guys will carry some risk come draft day, especially after seeing this schedule.

Davante Adams is usually another star receiver that is matchup proof, but you have to wonder a little this year. He has some question marks at quarterback, which could hurt his production when you pair it with this schedule. Adams is dealing with the fifth toughest fantasy schedule for receivers.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy receivers. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the receivers with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  WR PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Los Angeles Rams 501.93
2. Jacksonville Jaguars 515.53
3. Kansas City Chiefs 519.43
4. New York Giants 521.63
5. Miami Dolphins 532.77
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 534.53
7. Houston Texans 538
8. Buffalo Bills 540.87
9. Las Vegas Raiders 541.9
10. Carolina Panthers 549.33
11. Cincinnati Bengals 552.17
12. Detroit Lions 553.73
13. Arizona Cardinals 555.27
14. Cleveland Browns 555.4
15. Minnesota Vikings 560.93
16. New England Patriots 573.03
17. Los Angeles Chargers 573.1
18. Tennessee Titans 575.17
19. Baltimore Ravens 581.27
20. Seattle Seahawks 585.08
21. New York Jets 585.5
22. Denver Broncos 587.2
23. Pittsburgh Steelers 587.8
24. Philadelphia Eagles 589.73
25. Green Bay Packers 590.85
26. Washington Commanders 591.57
27. New Orleans Saints 604.13
28. Dallas Cowboys 609.73
29. Indianapolis Colts 614
30. San Francisco 49ers 641.53
31. Atlanta Falcons 644.93
32. Chicago Bears 647.98

 

The Bears and Cowboys are the teams that make both the top five easiest receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. Chicago has the easiest for the entire playoffs. Once again, their top trio of receivers are looking pretty good come draft day.

Lamb continues to make his case to be the first receiver selected come draft day. He could have a monster season and finish strong as well with the fifth easiest schedule for the playoffs. Lamb might be the most surefire first-round pick come draft day.

The Falcons, 49ers and Colts also have a top-five favorable playoff schedule for receivers. Atlanta receivers were looking up to begin with, getting a legit quarterback throwing them passes this year. And this schedule makes their options look even better, especially Drake London. He could have a breakout season.

San Francisco has great options at receiver in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. They are pretty safe picks come draft day. And they get a very favorable playoff schedule that could make them even more appealing to fantasy owners. These guys both have really solid floors come draft day in this offense.

Michael Pittman keeps getting it done as the No. 1 option for the Colts. If Anthony Richardson can become that true No. 1 at quarterback for Indy, Pittman would look even better. Pittman has produced in recent year despite having some quarterback issues. His game could go to a higher level this year if Richardson breaks out. Pittman could be a league winner if everything breaks his way in 2024.

The Chiefs and Dolphins are two of the best offenses in football but also the only two teams to make the top five most unfavorable receiver schedules for both the regular season and playoffs. This is a tad concerning for both teams, Again, it is tough to bet against Hill, but maybe you drop him down your rankings just few spots behind the other elite guys because of this. You hate to use an early round pick on a receiver to see him maybe not produce what he should come playoff time.

And as mentioned with the Chiefs, their top two receivers already face a few question marks, so maybe their tough schedules make them players to let someone else draft. Both Brown and Rice could be a little erratic.

The Rams actually have the toughest playoff schedule for receivers. They are another team with two of the best receivers in football. It is tough to bet against either Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp, but the playoff schedule is a little scary, especially for Kupp. He seems to be trending down at this stage of his career.

The Jaguars and Giants are the two other teams with a top-five unfavorable fantasy schedule for the playoffs. The Jags have Christian Kirk and Gabriel Davis as their top two receivers. Kirk is normally pretty steady but Davis can be boom or bust. Seeing his playoff schedule should bump him down a few spots in your rankings. It could be more of the same for Davis with his new team.

And the Giants are an outlier here, having an easy schedule for receivers during the regular season but the fourth toughest for the playoffs. This makes it tough come draft day. Their receivers could be good values for the regular season but disappoint when it counts. You do have to just make the playoffs, though, so we aren’t sure we shy away from Giant receivers just because of their tough playoff schedule. You still might be able to get good value with their options that help you win during the season.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 11

Player Notes
Brandon McManus Nov 15 5:30pm ET
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus has been a calming presence for the Packers and their well-publicized kicker woes and McManus looks to keep that up this week as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. McManus has missed just one kick this season, a 46-yard field goal attempt that may have had some wet weather affecting that kick during the operation. That said, McManus has been everything the Packers have wanted out of the kicker position in his three games, with two game-winning field goals. With a tough defense ahead in Chicago, McManus could have some opportunities to kick if the Packers' offense stalls, so consider McManus a low-end starting kicker in fantasy for Week 11.

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Jordan Addison Nov 15 5:30pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is an unenticing fantasy option in Week 11 when his team takes on the Tennessee Titans on the road. The second-year wideout is averaging a paltry three receptions and 42.6 yards per contest through seven appearances. He has been marginally more involved over the prior two weeks, garnering at least five targets in both outings. Still, it won't be easy to trust him this coming Sunday against one of the more effective pass defenses in the league. Tennessee has been committed to shutting down their opponent's air attacks, allowing an average of just 111 yards per game to wideouts and the fewest fantasy points per game to the position (13.6). Addison presents as RotoBaller's PPR WR49 for this weekend's slate of games.

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Justin Jefferson Nov 15 5:20pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is in store for his most challenging outing of the season this Sunday when his team travels to Nashville to face the Tennessee Titans. The superstar wideout had his worst outing of 2024 in last weekend's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, failing to score at least 15 fantasy points for the first time. He'll get another staunch test in Week 11 in a Titans defensive unit that's allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this season (13.6 per game). Still, the 25-year-old is the league's second-leading receiver (831), averaging an astounding 92.3 yards per game and remaining a must-start option. Fire him up as RotoBaller's PPR WR2 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Nov 15 5:10pm ET
Josh Allen

The Kansas City Chiefs defense will face quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Kansas City has been a solid unit this season and sealed their most recent victory with a last-second blocked field goal. The Chiefs defense has recovered three fumbles, caught five interceptions, and collected 19 sacks this season. This defensive unit will be tested against the Buffalo Bills offense this week. Josh Allen has only been sacked 13 times this season, making him one of the hardest quarterbacks to take down. The Bills also have an effective run game behind a dynamic running back named James Cook. With both teams jockeying for the top seed in the AFC, this contest could turn into a defensive matchup. Both teams can dominate the time of possession through effective runs and quick passes. That said, both offenses can also run up the score in this contest, giving it a wide range of outcomes. The Chiefs are ranked as the 17th-best defense in our RotoBaller rankings this week, meaning fantasy managers should look for other options.

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AJ Barner Nov 15 5:00pm ET
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner looks like he may be filling in for Noah Fant (groin) once again in Week 11. Fant has been ruled out for Week 11. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in a game in which they project to pass quite a bit. Barner received seven targets in a starting role with Fant out in Week 9. While he was inefficient with his targets, he could see similar volume this week. The 49ers will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping the likes of DK Metcalf (knee), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. That could leave receiving lanes open for Barner. The rookie was primarily a blocker before Fant's injury. However, he has displayed an ability to get open, and solid athleticism in the open field. With the tight end position performing so poorly for fantasy in 2024, Barner is a potential option as a plug-in for injured players or players on a bye.

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Xavier Worthy Nov 15 5:00pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Worthy hauled in one catch for 11 yards in last week's contest against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes and the rookie have been unable to connect on deep balls lately, which has limited Worthy's fantasy success. The 21-year-old scored 1.1 PPR fantasy points in the last two games, totaling one catch on six targets. Worthy will now face the Buffalo Bills defense, which ranks eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Worthy is ranked WR53 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, making him nothing more than a desperation flex. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for fantasy production this week.

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Caleb Williams Nov 15 5:00pm ET
Caleb Williams

The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit hasn't been up to snuff in the last several weeks, but they'll get a juicy matchup as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. The Bears' offense has been struggling for most of the season and this past week, fired their offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. If the Packers are looking for a get-right game to jumpstart a second-half surge, this is the week to do it. The Packers have a combined six sacks and one interception in their last four games, so taking advantage of Chicago's porous offensive line and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams may be on the menu. With the Packers rested after their Week 10 bye, they're an easy start at D/ST for fantasy managers looking to play the matchups.

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Ty Chandler Nov 15 5:00pm ET
Ty Chandler

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler will not be a viable fantasy option this weekend when his team travels to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans. The 26-year-old has seemingly fallen out of favor as the handcuff to own over the last few weeks, getting out-snapped and out-carried by backfield mate Cam Akers after being acquired from the Houston Texans. Chandler did tote the rock four times for 18 yards in last weekend's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars but only rotated into the game when lead back Aaron Jones (ribs) tended to an injury. Still, that drive was split with Akers. The third-year back is RotoBaller's PPR RB75 in this week's rankings.

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Nico Collins Nov 15 5:00pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was a full participant during Friday's practice session. Collins hasn't played since Week 5, but appears to be on track to suit up during Monday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. There is still a chance that Collins suffers a setback, but fantasy managers should prepare to have him back this week. The Texans could desperately use the help with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the season. Collins should be able to produce WR1 value, assuming he isn't limited at all on Monday.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Nov 15 4:50pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith could have an incredible game or he could fall flat on his face in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are No. 10 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy in 2024. Smith has been inconsistent over his last few games. He was the QB3 in Week 9, but he did not finish higher than QB12 in his three games before that. Additionally, he has been throwing a lot of interceptions. He threw three in his last outing against the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers have owned the Seahawks over the last several seasons and that seems unlikely to change in Week 11 as the 49ers are hitting their stride. The one hope for Smith is that the Seahawks are coming out of their bye. If they were able to fix some of their issues on offense, then Smith could have a productive game. Additionally, the Seahawks seem poised to get offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) back this week which would be a huge boost to the offensive line and subsequently, Smith's protection.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Nov 15 4:50pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will face the Buffalo Bills in Week 11. Hopkins was listed on the injury report this week with a knee injury but practiced in full all week. The veteran receiver has been removed from the injury report and will be ready for the AFC matchup. Hopkins had an average performance against the Denver Broncos last week, catching four passes for 56 yards in the contest. The presence of Patrick Surtain II limited his upside, but Hopkins displayed what he could achieve with Mahomes in Week 9. The 32-year-old caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. This week, Hopkins will have to face the Buffalo Bills defense, which ranks eighth in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Considering the strength of both defenses, it may be a difficult matchup, but Hopkins can still be a difference-maker for fantasy managers. Hopkins is ranked WR23 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings this week, placing him as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3. Fantasy managers should find a way to get him into their lineups this week.

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Kenneth Walker III Nov 15 4:50pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III should be an RB2 in fantasy in Week 11. The Seahawks will travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers who are vulnerable to opposing running backs in fantasy. Prior to the Seahawks' Week 10 bye, Walker had a couple of down games after setting the league on fire for several weeks before that. His rushing numbers over the last couple of games have been poor, but his passing game volume continues to keep him afloat in fantasy. With the Seahawks likely to be trailing for much of this game, Walker should see plenty of targets. Hopefully, he can get off to a solid start on the ground, especially with the Seahawks projected to have offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) back in the lineup. Walker is an automatic start every week and he should deliver solid value once again in Week 11.

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Jason Myers Nov 15 4:50pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers has been held in check in fantasy recently as the offense has struggled. He has been a relatively accurate kicker in 2024; however, his opportunities have been inconsistent. The Seahawks play the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco in Week 11. While the 49ers' defense is not as dominant as in recent years, it is still one of the better units in the NFL. The Seahawks will likely be playing catch up throughout most of the game, and the 49ers will likely limit Seattle's offensive output. As such, Myers is a risky play as a fantasy kicker this week. The hope is that the Seahawks fixed some offensive problems during their bye week in Week 10. However, you can likely find a better option than Myers on waivers for Week 11.

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Michael Mayer Nov 15 4:50pm ET
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (personal) has a chance at making his return to the field against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11. Mayer hasn't played since September due to a personal matter. However, it sounds like he's on the verge of returning as Mayer is listed as questionable for this weekend. He's hauled in four of his seven targets for 21 yards through three games this season. Mayer is unlikely to have much fantasy value with Brock Bowers emerging as the primary option at tight end. Mayer figures to have a minor role behind Bowers once he's cleared to play.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Nov 15 4:50pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been solid for Packers this season and looks to step up for the wide receiving corps against the Chicago Bears in Week 11. Doubs put back-to-back top-13 fantasy performances together in Week 6-7, but in the last two games, Doubs has a combined 11 targets, seven receptions, and 100 yards with zero touchdowns. He's been a background player despite being the Packers wide receiver consistently on the field running routes. With the team heading to Soldier Field to take on the Bears, Doubs faces a Chicago squad that has been notoriously tough on opposing receivers with cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who has allowed the second-lowest passer rating (46.8) on throws in his direction. Doubs is merely a flex option in fantasy this week, where you're hoping for some efficient volume or a touchdown reception.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Nov 15 4:40pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has been hot and cold this season, but looks to string a couple of great games together pre and post-bye as the Packers head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Reed put up his third 100-yard game in a row in the Packers' loss to the Lions in Week 9, but in the four weeks prior, Reed hadn't been top-24 fantasy wide receiver. He's been a bit inconsistent, but still is the Packers' best chance at a massive spike week from the wide receivers with his utilization for target-earning in the slot as well as downfield. With the Bears being excellent against slot receivers having given up the third-lowest fantasy per game to slot receivers, Week 11 represents a tough matchup for Reed. That takes his fantasy status down a bit to the WR2 range this week.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Nov 15 4:40pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has been a very solid tight end for fantasy purposes this season and looks to keep up that standing when the Packers head to Chicago to take on the Bears in Week 11. Coming off the team's Week 10 bye week, Kraft is in a good spot to keep up his strong season where he's been a top-12 tight end in four of the last six games. While the target-earning potential hasn't quite been there for Kraft this season, he's making the most of his touches with four touchdowns in his past five games as a clear outlet for quarterback Jordan Love. The Bears are just middle of the road when it comes to defending tight ends as they're 15th in the NFL in tight end fantasy points allowed. Consider Kraft a low-end TE1 worth starting in the Packers' matchup with Chicago in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Nov 15 4:40pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (back) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Warren sat out of Thursday's practice due to a back issue and was able to get through a limited session on Friday. His status seems uncertain heading into this weekend's game which should mean more carries for Najee Harris. Warren rushed 14 times for 66 yards during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Cordarrelle Patterson will likely see an uptick if touches if Warren sits, but he doesn't offer great upside. Harris is going to gain the most fantasy value from Warren's absence, but fantasy managers will have to check back for another update.

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Bijan Robinson Nov 15 4:40pm ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has been one of the top running backs in fantasy through the first 10 weeks of the season, especially given his heavy involvement in the passing game. Last week's performance marked the fifth consecutive contest in which the 22-year-old went over 100 total yards rushing and receiving and the seventh straight in which he caught at least three passes. The former first-round draft pick is up to six rushing and one receiving touchdowns on the season, while his 41 receptions give him the third-most among running backs. In Week 11, the second-year pro will face a Denver rush defense that has allowed the 14th-most fantasy points to RBs and was pushed around by Derrick Henry as recently as Week 9 to the tune of 23-106-2. With the Broncos better against the pass, the Falcons may lean on the ground game more than usual in Week 11, but given his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, either way they choose to go puts Robinson in a position to finish as a high-end RB1 in Week 11.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba Nov 15 4:40pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a huge game in Week 9 prior to the Seahawks' Week 10 bye. Without DK Metcalf (knee) in the lineup, Smith-Njigba caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He was certainly treated as the No. 1 wide receiver in the offense while Metcalf was out. However, Metcalf is on track to play in Week 11 in a tougher matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are the No. 10 team against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. Smith-Njigba has been inconsistent this season, but he has flashed his ability to be a high-end producer in fantasy on multiple occasions. There is no doubt that the 49ers will be able to score on Seattle's defense. As such, the passing volume should be high for the Seahawks which gives Smith-Njigba a chance at WR2 production even with Metcalf back in the lineup.

From RotoBaller