Waiver Wire Watch: Week 11 Targets

Nov 11, 2019

Todd Kirkland / Stringer / Getty Images

Congratulations on surviving the bye-week apocalypse, and condolences if you, like me, ran into a Christian Kirk buzz saw. Four more teams head on byes next week, but we’re nearing the end of those lineup bombs. A few potential superstars emerged in Week 10, along with several others with the potential to rack up stats down the stretch. Take a look at the recommendations below and get ready for Week 11. The fantasy playoffs are just around the corner.

Before we get into the meat of the article, there are a few house-keeping items to clear up. Recommendations are based on a PPR-scoring, four-point passing touchdown, 12-team league, with ownership percentages coming from Yahoo. I try to mention when a player is a better streaming play (short-term/one-week starter) versus a long-term addition. Free-agent acquisition budget (FAAB) suggestions are based on a $100 season-long budget. Lastly, the great John Paulsen will edit this article every week and adjust rankings and prices if necessary. Essentially, you’re getting two minds collaborating on this piece instead of one, so lucky you.

Now, with that out of the way, here are some players to target heading into Week 11.

BYE WEEKS: Packers, Giants, Seahawks, Titans

Quarterbacks

1. Derek Carr

2. Nick Foles

3. Sam Darnold

4. Kyle Allen

5. Jacoby Brissett

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders, 44% owned ($10)

Carr’s streak of 15-plus point outings ended on Thursday night against the Chargers (he finished with 13.1), but Carr played well overall despite some early offensive hiccups. With so many quarterbacks currently injured, it’s a surprise to see Carr available in so many leagues. Next week he faces a Bengals squad that was eviscerated by Lamar Jackson in Week 10 to the tune of four total touchdowns. Carr is building a rapport with his weapons on the outside, especially the emerging Hunter Renfrow, so he’ll at the very least offer a safe floor. With the Jets and Chiefs on the horizon for Carr, he could become a decent starter down the stretch here.

Nick Foles, Jacksonville Jaguars, 19% owned ($7)

As many expected after Gardner Minshew's meltdown in London, Foles was named the Jaguars starting quarterback during the team’s bye. Week 11 will be Foles’ first action since Week 1, where he completed 5-of-8 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown before injuring his collarbone and landing on the short-term injured reserve. Foles will travel to Indianapolis to face a plucky Colts defense, but his schedule opens up around the fantasy playoffs with games against the Buccaneers, Raiders and Falcons. It’s unclear how Foles will look in his first game action since September, but the veteran is one of the best waiver-wire options this week given his experience, the weapons around him, and his favorable late-season schedule.

Sam Darnold, New York Jets, 22% owned ($3)

Darnold finally delivered in a cushy matchup, taking full advantage of the Giants’ leaky secondary. Darnold completed 19-of-30 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown while adding 25 rushing yards and a score on the ground as well. Next up for Darnold is a date with the swiss-cheese like Washington secondary, another easily exploitable matchup. Darnold’s ceiling is lower than some, but he should provide a reasonable floor in a cushy matchup. Week 10 was Darnold’s first game of the year with 20-plus fantasy points.

Kyle Allen, Carolina Panthers, 15% owned ($3)

Allen played admirably against the Packers, throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown, though two turnovers (one fumble, one interception) certainly hurt. With streaming options limited next week, Allen is a solid target against an apparently surging Atlanta Falcons defense (they held the Saints to nine points in New Orleans this week). Prior to this game, six straight quarterbacks had thrown two-plus touchdowns against the Falcons. Allen has weapons around him and, despite the turnovers, is playing pretty well. He’s a streamer with long-term potential as well.

Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts, 39% owned ($1)

It’s unclear when Brissett will return to action from his knee injury, but after seeing what Brian Hoyer did filling in for Brissett let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later. Brissett is being dropped in plenty of leagues, so if you have the bench space feel free to stash him.