Waivering: Week 10

Tue Nov 4 9:27am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Loveland is getting it going


We have just two more weeks to get through before the byes are finished. That should be a welcome sight for many fantasy owners, not having to deal with those anymore. But if you have a few more byes to figure out, we have some options for you to consider this week.

Here are some players to consider grabbing this week. . . . .

QUARTERBACK

Michael Penix, Falcons (45.5% owned). Penix scored 24.95 fantasy points in Week 9, his second highest total of the season. He has three games this year with 22-plus fantasy points. He has been erratic with his play but always capable of the big game any given week. He also has games with the Colts, Saints and Jets in the coming weeks, making him an intriguing streamer.

Marcus Mariota, Commanders (15.9% owned). The injury to Jayden Daniels likely puts Mariota in the starting lineup for the Commanders for the rest of the season. He has some spot start appeal in that role. Mariota already has a game with 23.35 fantasy points this season. He is a bit of a dual threat that has a decent floor in this offense. Mariota will be worth using in the right matchup.

RUNNING BACK

Terrell Jennings, Patriots (1.0% owned). Jennings got his most work of the season with Rhamondre Stevenson, almost splitting the work with TreVeyon Henderson. Jennings ran 11 times for 35 yards and a touchdown. Jennings will have some value as long as Stevenson is sidelined. He is likely to get double-digit touches in this offense.

Britain Brown, Bears (0.0% owned). Brown got his first work of the season and served as the top backup for the Bears because of injury. He looked pretty good, rushing five times for 37 yards and a touchdown. He will have a little fantasy value if the Bears remain banged up at running back this week.

Devin Singletary, Giants (15.9% owned). Singletary was the most productive Giants back last week with Cam Skattebo out. Singletary ran eight times for 43 yards and caught two passes for eight yards. The Giants are likely to split the work at running back going forward, but one of these guys could emerge if they play well. At this point, it might be Singletary that ends up getting the most work for New York.

WIDE RECEIVER

Demario Douglas, Patriots (8.1% owned). Douglas had his first 100-yard game of the season last week. He had four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown, giving him scores two of four games. And with Kayshon Boutte hurt in the Week 9 game, Douglas could be setup for some more work going forward. He might be worth grabbing in deeper formats.

Olamide Zaccheaus, Bears (2.8% owned). Zaccheaus has 13 receptions his last two games. He scored his first touchdown of the season last week. He has double-digit receptions two straight. With the Bears a bit banged up at receiver, Zaccheaus is getting more looks and taking advantage.

Alex Pierce, Colts (48.6% owned). Pierce had his first 100-yard game of the season in Week 9, catching six passes for 115 yards. He has 14-plus fantasy points two of three games. He has at least 69 yards three straight. Pierce continues to make big plays in the Colts passing game on about a weekly basis.

Parker Washington, Jaguars (11.2% owned). Washington had eight receptions for 90 yards on nine targets in Week 9. He has been targeted 19 times the last two games. With Travis Hunter out, Washington might be setup for a few more targets and snaps on the field. He has some value going forward, especially if last week is any indication of his potential in this offense.

Tory Horton, Seahawks (21.0% owned). Horton got the chance to start last week with Cooper Kupp out and took advantage, catching four passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns. His strong play might earn him some more playing time going forward - even when Kupp returns to the lineup. Horton could be worth adding for receiver-needy fantasy teams. He certainly has big-play potential, having five touchdowns on just 13 receptions.

TIGHT END

Juwan Johnson, Saints (52.0% owned). Johnson scored his second touchdown of the season last week. He had 12.1 fantasy points, giving him double-digit fantasy points three straight games. He got plenty of looks from new starting quarterback Tyler Shough, which is encouraging for Johnson going forward.

Colston Loveland, Bears (37.0% owned). Loveland had his best game as a pro last week, finishing with six receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He has at least three receptions three straight games. Fellow tight end Cole Kmet returned from injury but got hurt once again. Loveland should keep playing a big role in this offense going forward.

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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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 11

Player Notes
Roman Wilson Nov 15 1:00am CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson scored the team's only touchdown in Week 10 and could find more ways to contribute against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith acknowledged Wilson's recent impact this week, noting that the second-year pro is "starting to show signs of his role increasing." With Pittsburgh still searching for a consistent WR2 behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III struggling, it's very possible Wilson earns more opportunities moving forward. Although this is an enticing matchup with a high projected point total, Wilson's limited involvement so far keeps him off the fantasy radar in most formats. That said, he's an intriguing deep-league stash and a name to monitor on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Nov 15 12:30am CT
D.K. Metcalf

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been incredibly quiet over the past two weeks, but he'll look to get back on track against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. Cincinnati has been middle-of-the-pack against fantasy wideouts overall, though they've been notably tough on opposing WR1s lately. Still, it is difficult to overlook the potential for a shootout, as this contest carries one of the highest projected point totals of the week. While Pittsburgh's tight ends are likely to get involved, Metcalf remains the clear top target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and should see frequent usage on Sunday, especially if both offenses are trading scores. There is plenty of risk associated with starting Metcalf, but he offers a strong amount of upside as a low-end fantasy WR2 against the Bengals.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Nov 15 12:20am CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had his most productive outing of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, and he'll look to replicate that success against them at home in Week 11. Cincinnati has been shredded by opposing backs all year, surrendering the most fantasy points per game, the second-most yards per carry, the fourth-most receiving yards, and the second-most total touchdowns to the position. In addition to the juicy matchup, conversations surrounding Warren's workload bolster his fantasy upside this week. Both head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have publicly stated that they would like the 27-year-old to see more touches going forward. Even with Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson mixing in, Warren should have more than enough opportunity to provide top-10 fantasy production as a clear RB1 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 15 12:10am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is coming off his worst performance of the season but is primed to bounce back against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. When Rodgers last faced the Bengals in Week 7, he delivered over 24 fantasy points with four touchdown passes in a road loss. Cincinnati has struggled defensively, surrendering the most points per contest in the NFL this year, so it's no surprise that this divisional showdown is expected to be one of the highest-scoring matchups of the week. Though Pittsburgh's offense has been inconsistent, it should be able to find its footing at home on Sunday. Rodgers can be viewed as a high-end streaming option with fringe top-12 value this week.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Nov 15 12:00am CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave continues to sit atop the team's depth chart, but he has failed to fill the void left by Tucker Kraft (knee). Kraft suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 9, but Musgrave has just six catches for 57 yards over his last two games. The 25-year-old has not even been a fantasy-relevant streamer, let alone the mid-to-high TE1 that Kraft was when healthy. A Week 11 matchup against the New York Giants could help Musgrave's stock, but he's still a non-factor in most fantasy leagues. Managers can leave him on waivers and should look elsewhere for mid-season help at the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Nov 14 11:50pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs saw a massive reduction in snaps and targets during his last game against the Atlanta Falcons. In Berlin, Downs played a mere 43 percent of the Colts' offensive snaps, converting two targets into one catch for three yards. The 24-year-old impressed as the WR35 in PPR leagues last season, but he has taken a step backward this year. He ranks outside the top 40 receivers and can no longer be trusted on a week-to-week basis. One reason for Downs' struggles is the increased competition around him. Indy is leaning on the run more than usual given Jonathan Taylor's success, and they've also gotten exceptional contributions from Tyler Warren, Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce. This has left Downs as somewhat of the odd man out. We do expect him to command more than two targets per game going forward, but he's not startable for the time being. Managers should leave Downs on the bench when the Colts return from their bye in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Nov 14 11:50pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has earned a healthy dose of targets lately, but he has been relatively unproductive as fantasy managers are left wanting more from the 26-year-old. Austin missed two weeks with a shoulder injury earlier this season, and in three games since his return, he's averaging 6.7 targets, 3.7 catches, and 32.7 receiving yards. That equates to fewer than seven points per game, even in full-PPR leagues. We saw Austin flash big-play upside before his injury, so it's been frustrating to see him produce low yardage totals despite decent target shares. The 26-year-old held onto his job as the No. 2 receiver after the trade deadline, which is a good sign, but he's no longer reliable in fantasy lineups. Managers should leave him on the bench until he re-proves that he can produce consistently.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Nov 14 11:50pm CT
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has become firmly entrenched in the backup role following Rico Dowdle's early-season breakout. Hubbard missed Weeks 5 and 6 due to injury, leaving Dowdle with the perfect opportunity to break out. The veteran capitalized on the opportunity, seized the lead-back role, and never looked back. As a result, Hubbard's role declined when he returned from injury, and his involvement took another step back two weeks ago. He has played fewer than 23 percent of the offensive snaps in each of his last two games, totaling just eight carries and one reception during that span. Despite signing an extension last winter, Hubbard is now a mere handcuff option behind Dowdle, a potential league-winner.

From RotoBaller

Ty Johnson Nov 14 11:40pm CT
Ty Johnson

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson continues to operate out of a depth role and is not a reliable fantasy option. Johnson has been the clear No. 2 option behind James Cook this season, primarily checking into the game on occasional passing downs. He has 18 carries and 11 targets so far, ranking as the overall RB70 in PPR leagues. As long as the Bills continue to feed Cook a heavy dose of touches, Johnson and fellow running back Ray Davis will be non-factors in fantasy football. Johnson's only path to fantasy productivity is an injury to Cook, and even then, we could see Davis get the early-down work. The 28-year-old should be left on fantasy waivers in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Nov 14 11:30pm CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson remains a non-factor in fantasy football as long as starter Josh Jacobs is healthy. Wilson has played in all nine games this season, and his snap share peaked at 42 percent when Jacobs was playing through an injury. That ratio dropped to 21 percent last week, and he logged just one carry and one reception along the way. In addition to having a small workload, Wilson has been inefficient lately, averaging just 2.1 yards per touch over his last two games. The 26-year-old should be avoided in all formats ahead of Week 11 against the New York Giants. He's nothing more than a handcuff, and if Jacobs were to get hurt, we'd expect to see some sort of committee showcasing a combination of Wilson, Chris Brooks, and MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring).

From RotoBaller

Kalif Raymond Nov 14 11:20pm CT
Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond hauled in a season-high four catches for 49 yards on four targets in his team's Week 10 win over the Washington Commanders. The 31-year-old has seen minimal usage in his team's passing game overall this season, recording 13 catches for 113 yards on 17 targets across nine games played. Raymond and the Lions will also face a significantly more difficult matchup in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, there are a couple of reasons to believe that Raymond's relative breakout may be more than just a one-week blip. For one, Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling in Week 10 from offensive coordinator John Morton, which could be a reason for Raymond's heavier usage. Additionally, the Lions will be without tight end Sam LaPorta (back) against Philadelphia, which should open up more opportunities for all of the team's secondary pass-catchers. Still, Raymond's limited ceiling makes him a desperation deep-league flex option at best in a difficult Week 11 matchup against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Nov 14 11:20pm CT
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason lacks standalone fantasy value heading into Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. Mason had been able to co-exist alongside Aaron Jones earlier in the year, and he was a must-start when Jones missed time due to injury. However, now that Jones is healthy again, the veteran has taken over the backfield, leaving Mason in an unsteady role. Just last week, the 26-year-old only played one-quarter of the offensive snaps, rushing four times and catching one pass. He was efficient with his opportunities, but it was still impossible for him to carve out fantasy value given his small workload. As long as Jones is healthy, Mason must be viewed as a mere handcuff and shouldn't be started in fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Nov 14 11:10pm CT
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Ja'Tavion Sanders had his best game since Week 2 vs. the New Orleans Saints in Week 10, although the numbers were still mediocre. The Carolina tight end had five receptions, 32 yards, and registered 8.2 PPR Fantasy Points. Carolina's Week 11 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons presents a nightmare scenario statistically for Sanders. The Falcons rank second in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed against the TE position this season. Atlanta is one of only three teams in the league to give up only one receiving TD to TEs while also surrendering the second-fewest receiving yards (275) to the position this year. With one of the worst matchups for his position, Sanders should be ignored by fantasy players who are looking for a TE to stream this week.

From RotoBaller

Jake Bates Nov 14 11:10pm CT
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates recorded his first missed extra-point of the season in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, but he knocked in all three of his field goal attempts. Even with the blunder against Washington, Bates leads the NFL in extra-point makes (33) and attempts (34) through 10 weeks. The Lions have a difficult road matchup in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia ranks in the top ten in the NFL in per-game opponent scoring (21.3 points per game). Still, the Lions have one of the league's highest-scoring offenses so far this season and could provide Bates with some opportunities to put points on the board. It's not his most favorable matchup, but Bates still profiles as a solid starting kicker option for fantasy managers in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Nov 14 11:10pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers had three catches for 41 yards in Week 10 versus the Texans. Although he wasn't a safe fantasy option against a tough Houston defense, especially with it being his first game on a new team, fantasy managers were still hoping for more due to the absence of Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle). With a poor showing in the rear-view mirror, Meyers will look to get things going in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Thomas is questionable for that one. If he doesn't suit up, Meyers has a chance to see more than the 27 offensive snaps he received in Week 10. Granted, he still wouldn't be an ideal fantasy option. However, the upside is there, so he should at least draw consideration from those with nowhere else to turn.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Nov 14 11:00pm CT
Bryce Young

Bryce Young is not worth consideration for fantasy lineups in Week 11. The Carolina QB logged under five Fantasy Points Per Game and did not throw any passing touchdowns in Weeks 9 and 10. This season, Young has averaged 11.6 Fantasy Points Per Game and registered over 20 points only once. Fantasy players should not expect an adequate performance out of Young against the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 3 against Atlanta, Young finished with 121 passing yards, scored one rushing TD, and earned just 11.6 fantasy points. Leading up to Week 11, Atlanta ranks seventh in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs. The Falcons have a vulnerable run defense, allowing 26.59 Fantasy Points Per Game, which ranks 29th in the league to RBs this season. Expect Carolina to rely on their running game in Week 11 to stay competitive. Fantasy players should leave Young reserved for Week 11. He should only be considered in superflex leagues if your regular QB2 is out and there are no options available otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Nov 14 11:00pm CT
Rico Dowdle

Rico Dowdle has a highly favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. Atlanta ranks 29th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to running backs. The Falcons' run defense was trampled in Week 10 by Jonathan Taylor, who registered 244 rushing yards, three TDs, and 49.6 PPR Fantasy Points. In his last six games, Dowdle had four rushing touchdowns, averaged 5.8 yards per carry, and averaged 21 PPR Fantasy Points Per Game. Dowdle is a must-start in all formats in Week 11, as he is capable of being a major fantasy difference-maker.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Nov 14 11:00pm CT
Rico Dowdle

Chuba Hubbard is locked in as the backup running back for the Panthers. Last week against the Saints, Hubbard played on 21% of snaps, logged 14 yards on three carries, and finished with just 2.5 Fantasy PPR Points. Since his Week 7 return from a calf injury, Hubbard has totaled 96 rushing yards and is averaging 5.3 PPR Fantasy Points Per Game. Hubbard should only be rostered as a handcuff to those who roster Rico Dowdle.

From RotoBaller

Tetairoa McMillan Nov 14 11:00pm CT
Tetairoa McMillan

Tetairoa McMillan posted just adequate numbers but was Carolina's top wide receiver again in Week 10 against the Saints. The rookie WR totaled 11 Fantasy PPR Points with 60 yards on five receptions. Week 10 was the third time in the last five weeks that McMillan posted double-digit PPR points totals. Carolina's opponent for Week 11 is the Atlanta Falcons, who rank eighth in Fantasy Points allowed to WRs this season. Atlanta has a run-funnel defense that allows 26.53 points to RBs this season, which ranks 29th in the league. Look for Carolina to rely more on their ground game this week. Despite Carolina's run-heavy approach, McMillan provides enough of a respectable statistical floor to be a starter in fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Nov 14 11:00pm CT
Xavier Legette

Xavier Legette may not be a factor in Week 11's matchup against the Falcons. Last week against the Saints, Legette failed to catch his lone target and was held to zero fantasy points for the first time this season. Outside of Week 7 against the Jets, where he totaled 92 receiving yards, one touchdown, and 24.2 PPR Fantasy points, Legette has been an afterthought this year. The Carolina WR has yet to score over five PPR Fantasy Points outside of Week 7 and has not been targeted more than three times in the past three games. The Falcons rank eighth in Fantasy Points allowed to WRs at 27.8 per game. Considering that the Panthers will rely on their run offense against an Atlanta defense ranked 29th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs, Legette likely won't be involved in the offensive flow again. He should not be considered for usage in any format.

From RotoBaller