Thanks for joining me for Belly Up Start Em, Sit Em: Week 11! We’re missing these teams due to byes: the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and the San Francisco 49ers. I’m looking at guys with favorable matchups who might be on the fringe of your starting lineups. Also, digging up players to avoid if you’re in need of a home run this week as we hit the gas pedal in the fantasy playoff race! Ya just gotta get in, we’ll worry about makings some noise when we get there!

Start Em: QBs

Ben Roethlisberger @ JAX

Big Ben has been on a terror the last two weeks, lighting up the Bengals and Cowboys for a combined 639 yards, 7 TDs while throwing 0 interceptions. The Steelers visit the Jaguars in Week 11, who have allowed the most fantasy points to QBs over the last four weeks, and haven’t been very formidable at all in 2020. Jacksonville has allowed 275+ yards passing and/or multiple TD passes in all but one contest this season, including 300+ in two of their last three outings in which they have surrendered 9 total TDs to opposing QBs. A terrific DFS play, I want every share of Roethlisberger I can get in week 11.

Kirk Cousins vs DAL

I know Kirk Cousins isn’t the most attractive fantasy QB, but this is 2020! Things are wild & there’s a decent chance you’re having roster challenges we’ve not had to balance pre-COVID. Maybe you’re a Drew Brees owner, and you weren’t awarded Taysom Hill after waivers cleared & now you need a QB! Captain Kirk has a fantastic matchup against the Dallas Cowboys defense who has allowed the 3rd most passing TDs in the NFL this season, they’re also T-2nd for fewest interceptions this year with a whopping 3. Kirk has been known to take advantage of a poor defense here and there, with Minnesota’s weapons, this week should be no different. The Vikings QB has also thrown 3 TDs in three of four home games this season, . Kirk is a fantastic bridge option for your season-long leagues, and a sneaky DFS play as well at home in Week 11.

Start Em: RBs

Damien Harris @ HOU

Patriots RB Damien Harris has quietly surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark three times already this season and twice in his last three outings. He has reached 100+ yards rushing each game he’s toted the rock 15+ times. The Patriots travel to Houston this week and face off against a run defense that has allowed six 100 yard rushing performances in nine games(not including 99 yards to Jaguars RB James Robinson just two weeks ago) en route to the league’s worst run defense. Last week, the Alabama product was only the 2nd RB to post 75+ yards vs the Ravens top 10 run defense. Although Harris has only reached paydirt once in 2020, the running game is the only game for the New England Patriots currently, and Harris is the centerpiece.

Miles Sanders @ CLE

Miles Sanders has shown flashes of the talent that made him a popular late 1st Rd, early 2nd round RB coming into 2020. Sanders has quietly racked up 80+ rushing yards in five of his six games played, including games against the Rams, Steelers, and Ravens – all top 10 against the run. Weather is always a factor in Cleveland late in the year. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 40s with rain during the game, so throwing the ball will be a challenge. The Browns will also be missing DPOY candidate, Myles Garrett, furthering my confidence in playing Miles Sanders with confidence this week in Cleveland.

Start Em: WRs

Justin Jefferson vs DAL

Vikings rookie WR Justin Jefferson has been one of the most exciting new-comers of 2020. His 7 reception 175-yard explosion against Tennessee was just his 1st of four 100+ yard receiving days already. A mark that ties WR Randy Moss for most by a rookie in Vikings franchise history, and it’s only been nine games! Currently 6th in the NFL in receiving yards, he lines up across from the Cowboys defense that has allowed the 2nd most TDs through the air. This week should provide some TD correction for the rookie stand-out, who has only “Hit the Griddy” on three occasions thus far in 2020. 

Diontae Johnson @ JAX

Diontae Johnson has proven to be the favorite target in the Steelers passing game when he’s been healthy, posting 10+ targets in five of his six healthy outings. The Jaguars have allowed a 100+ yard receiver in five consecutive games, making this a great opportunity for Diontae to post another high-end WR2 day and possibly pushing WR1 status in Week 11. If he’s on your roster, he’s a must-start. Johnson is a great DFS value at $5,900 on DraftKings, $500 cheaper than teammates Juju Smith-Schuster & $200 less than rookie Chase Claypool. Plug him in!

Start Em: TEs

Logan Thomas vs CIN

Washington TE Logan Thomas has been peppered with targets throughout 2020. He has recorded 4 receptions for 60+ yards in two of his last three games. With QB Alex Smith under center, I expect him to see much more quality targets resulting in more receptions. The former Virginia Tech QB gets an opportunity to shine against one of the league’s softest defenses to opposing TEs. Not only are the Bengals allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to TEs this season, but they’ve also surrendered 14.25 yards per reception and five TDs to TEs in their last four games. Coming in at $3,300 on DraftKings, he is a fantastic value for DFS plays as well.

Jared Cook vs ATL

Saints TE Jared Cook has battled consistency issues throughout 2020 but gets fantasy matchups prime to get him back on track. The Falcons have allowed the league’s most points to opposing TEs, and have allowed six TEs to snag 4+ passes, five of which posted 50+ yards as well. Cook will not have his future HOF QB under center. Instead, it will presumably be Taysom Hill getting his 1st career start.

I expect this offensive gameplan to be very different from the Saints we’re used to watching, and Cook to be the beneficiary of the offensive adjustments. Even without the target volume, the 12-year vet is posting his 3rd best yards per reception average of his career & is on pace to push his career-best in TD receptions as well. I look for him to have a nice day with the Atlanta Falcons visiting the Bayou with little to no film on what the Saints may have up their sleeves. I like Jared Cook this week.

Sit Em: QBs

Ryan Tannehill @ BAL

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill started 2020 as hot as any QB in the NFL, throwing 13 TD passes and rushing for another over his first five games. Since then, the OL lost their starting Tackle Taylor Lewan & they haven’t been the same since. Tannehill hasn’t surpassed 60% completions in four consecutive games and hasn’t passed for 160 yards in back to back outings. This week the Titans take their talents to Baltimore and face the league’s #6 pass defense. The Baltimore Ravens have held opposing passers under 200 yards passing in three of their past five contests, including Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. The Ravens have allowed just five passing TDs since Week 3. I love Tannehill in Tennessee, just not this week.

Derek Carr vs KC

The Raiders handed the Chiefs their sole defeat in Kansas City but Carr hasn’t been too exciting since. Carr hasn’t surpassed 200 yards passing in three consecutive weeks while posting a QBR under 100 in three of his last four outings as well. This week the Chiefs look for revenge in their first visit to Vegas. The Chiefs are the NFL’s #7 pass defense, and they’re tied for the 2nd fewest passing TDs in the league. 

Sit Em: RBs

Ronald Jones vs LAR

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers backfield has been a source of frustration for fantasy owners throughout 2020. Last week RB Ronald Jones made his case to be the bell-cow back, racking up nearly 200 rushing yards on 23 carries and housed an impressive 98 yard TD. This week the Bucs host the Los Angeles Rams defense who has allowed the 4th fewest rushing yards this season. The Rams haven’t allowed any RB to rush for 70+ yards since Week 3. The Rams have also allowed the 4th fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs over the last four weeks and fifth-fewest points to RBs this season. I expect this to be one of the lower scoring games on the NFL slate this weekend, temper your expectations for RoJo in this matchup.

Melvin Gordon vs MIA

Melvin Gordon has failed to rush for 50 yards in three consecutive games and has only had double-digit carries just once over that stretch. This week they welcome the Miami Dolphins, led by their stingy defense. The Dolphins defense has allowed one TD to opposing RBs over their last five contests and hasn’t allowed any RB to hit the century mark this season. With QB Drew Lock & TE Noah Fant’s status in question with injury concerns, the challenges are mounting for the Broncos offense. The Dolphins have given up some marginal production in the passing game to RBs, but Gordon has only seen 5+ targets twice this season. It may be time to leave Melvin Gordon on your bench until further notice, it’s not a favorable matchup for Denver this week. 

Sit Em: WRs

Brandin Cooks vs NE

The New England Patriots have a history of removing your #1 option from the game completely, they focus on making you beat them another way. With Brandin Cooks having spent some valuable time in the New England locker room playing for Bill Belichick, I assume he’ll make an effort to neutralize Cooks. Since the firing of HC Bill O’Brien, Cooks has had 6+ receptions in four of Houston’s five outings. However, the Patriots have allowed just three WRs to snag 6+ receptions. New England possesses the league’s 8th best pass defense as far as yardage goes, and with their rushing attack, they can really shorten games. I don’t see Cooks having a great outing in Week 11.

Mike Evans vs LAR

Owning Buccaneers WR Mike Evans has been frustrating in 2020. Evans hasn’t recorded a single game with double-digit receptions and has only racked up 100 yards in two outings all season. The former Aggie is currently 27th in yards and receptions and is WR13 in the Belly Up Bowl scoring. This week the Buccaneers host the Los Angeles Rams & their 3rd ranked pass defense, who have allowed a league-low 9 passing TDs all year. Evans is sure to draw coverage from Rams CB Jalen Ramsey who has held opposing WRs to under four targets per game & a 40% catch rate since Week 1. Seeing Ramsey hold Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf to 2 receptions for 28 yards is all the evidence you need to know Mike Evans may be in for a long afternoon.

Sit Em: TEs

Austin Hooper vs PHI

The Cleveland Browns made TE Austin Hooper one of the NFL’s highest-paid at his position this offseason. Why? I’m still not sure either. His utilization has been coming along lately but yet he has still only scored once in a Browns uniform. Last week Hooper had a single reception on two whopping targets in a game that saw only 17 total points.

Some of the blame goes to the weather, which will once again be less than optimal game conditions. However, Hooper hasn’t had 35+ yards receiving, nor has he scored a TD in three career games vs the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia has only allowed a single TD to opposing TEs since George Kittle toasted them for 15 receptions 183 yards and a touchdown in Week 3, and only one TE has surpassed 50 yards receiving over that stretch as well. Austin Hooper may be in for another long day against the Eagles.

Robert Tonyan @ IND

Packers TE Robert Tonyan won the hearts of fantasy owners worldwide after snagging 14 of 15 targets for 173 yards and 5 TDs in his first three outings of 2020. In the five games since his outburst, he has gathered 5+ targets only once and hasn’t scored another TD. As the Packers head to Indianapolis with WR Allen Lazard possibly returning to the lineup and MVS showing signs of a mid-season breakout, I am looking elsewhere for my TE services in Week 11. The Colts have allowed only two opposing TEs to snag 5+ receptions or tally 50+ yards receiving. They also have not allowed a TD to the TE position yet this season. Tonyan is a solid sit for me, with a floor that is as low as it gets in Indianapolis.

Thanks again for checkin’ out Belly Up Start Em, Sit Em: Week 11. You can follow me on Twitter @bwhitt24, and the rest of the fantasy crew @bellyupfantasy. Join us live on Twitter and Facebook Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM CST for Belly Up Fantasy Live! Take a moment to like our new pages for our podcast, on Twitter @BUFantasyLive and find us on Facebook at Belly Up Fantasy Live. The crew will be breaking down the upcoming week’s fantasy outlook, and as always answering your questions in the comments! We have several talented writers joining the Belly Up team, be sure to check out their content coming soon! Enjoy 20% off of your www.manscaped.com purchase by using our promo code BELLYUPFANTASY. You’re Welcome!