The Rundown: Week 11

Nov 18, 2020

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Hopefully, in redraft leagues, you’re in a position where the playoffs are in sight and the focus is on performing well down the stretch and towards a championship. If not, it’s still important to maintain the integrity of the league by filling out your best lineup, being active, and trying to win games. The idea of a spoiler isn’t what you had in mind but can be a satisfying feeling. There can still be more to learn this season that will help in 2021. That includes late-season breakouts, team strategies with usage, and how other teams in your league compete to close out the season.

Another big target game for J.D. McKissic has him useful for those looking to fill in holes at running back. The tumble for Jonathan Taylor hurts the teams who invested in him thinking it was a matter of when, not if, he would start AND perform well. It’s just one week, but Mike Evans is in a tenuous spot with Antonio Brown looking good so far. Let’s also mention another disappointing week for Tyler Lockett, who seems to be floundering with D.K. Metcalf dominating the touches.

This article leverages the wide array of 4for4’s data library including snaps, touches, targets, fantasy scoring, and red zone information. Lucky for you, this article will put everything in one place in time for those weekly matchup decisions.

Quarterbacks Trending Up

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints

It looks like Drew Brees is going to be out for a while with some broken ribs, likely meaning that Jameis Winston gets his chance. While Sean Payton hasn’t officially announced a starter, it’s safe to assume Winston will lead the sixth-ranked New Orleans fantasy quarterback position this season. It has already produced five top-12 finishes and Winston is no slouch, finishing eighth overall at quarterback last year with seven top-12 weeks. Winston’s turnovers remain a concern and if those continue with the Saints, it’s uncertain if Payton will be as lenient as Bruce Arians last season. He gets the Falcons in his first outing, which could lead to a fantasy-friendly shootout through the air.

Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers

It was unknown what Bridgewater would bring to the Panthers with the most likely outcome being a conservative approach that suppresses the wide receiver production. However, he has been fairly steady with the wide receiver position being fifth-most lucrative for fantasy this year. Six of his 10 games have Bridgewater inside the top-15 for fantasy quarterbacks with just one instance outside the top-24 at the position. The Lions represent a favorable matchup that could lead to a third straight top-10 performance in a row.

Quarterbacks Trending Down

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans

Perhaps Tannehill is having a bit of a rough patch, he still is the 11th highest scoring quarterback this season, but it also serves as a reminder that no one is matchup proof. Tough matchups against the Bears and Colts the last two weeks have turned out a pair of games under 15 fantasy points that left him outside the top-18. Unfortunately, he gets a third straight brutal matchup against the Ravens, a top 10 pass defense who will give Tannehill fits. Bench him but know that nothing is wrong with his play.

Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Much like Tannehill, Burrow’s struggles largely have come against strong defenses. That doesn’t help considering he gets the Steelers and Ravens a total of four times each year. Burrow has had highs, four games in the top-12, and lows, three outside the top-20, that typify a rookie season. Injuries all over the offense aren't helping either. There are few things the Washington Football Team does well, but pass defense is one of them. They are top 10 in most measures and will challenge Burrow this week.