5 Players With Tough Week 11 Matchups

We all have those superstars on our rosters who should be automatic starters week after week, right? Not so fast. I don’t believe in the old adage “always start your studs”, as it’s sort of lazy and not entirely accurate if you want the most out of your fantasy squad.

In this article at 4for4, each week I take a look at individual matchups and point out players who I think could struggle, even if they’re elite. I’m not saying to sit them without question, but as the title goes, these are players with tough matchups, meaning you'll have tough lineup decisions to make.

Week 10 Wrap-Up

Last week was fairly decent for this column, as Russell Wilson, despite his stellar real-life performance, only ended the week as the QB14 in fantasy points, while Austin Hooper checked in at TE13. David Johnson was non-existent so it’s tough to even victory lap that one.

Onto this week’s crop of players to start with caution, or not at all.

Week 11 Risky Plays

Kirk Cousins (Vikings) vs. Broncos

After a sluggish start to the season, Cousins has been showing sizable swagger on the field for Minnesota lately. However, this week might set the quarterback back a few paces as he faces a Denver defense ranked third in our signature metric, schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed, or aFPA.

The Broncos are surrendering a measly 11.2 fantasy points to opposing signal-callers per contest and are also stout against wideouts, ranking third there as well. With Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson sitting this week out, it may be tough for some to bench Cousins, but at least temper your expectations this week against Denver.

Phillip Lindsay (Broncos) @ Vikings

He’s really fun to watch run the ball, but managers who start Lindsay this week might not enjoy the experience so much. The sophomore back has been out-snapped by fellow Bronco Royce Freeman for six consecutive games and gets a tough road game in Week 11 to boot.

The Vikings sit fourth in the league in rushing aFPA, and only yielded 47 yards on 20 carries to Ezekiel Elliott just last week. If you have another option to put into a running back slot, you may want to exercise it this week.

Ronald Jones (Buccaneers) vs. Saints

He’s certainly all the rage right now in fantasy football circles, but I’d play Jones at your own risk in Week 11. He posted 106 combined yards and a touchdown last week, but also self-fumbled on the Buccaneers' second-to-last drive, causing him to watch the game-winning possession from the sideline in favor of Peyton Barber.

The Saints are no joke at stopping the run, as they rank fifth in aFPA to opposing rushers this season. Jones may be better left on your bench this week, or at least temper your outlook for his production.

Christian Kirk (Cardinals) @ 49ers

Kirk saved many a fantasy player’s bacon last week, including mine. However, he gets an angry San Francisco defense this week, who are allowing an aFPA of just 24.0 PPR points to opposing receiving corps in 2019. When they met in Week 9, Kirk posted just two catches for eight yards, along with one run for an additional eight yards.

Kirk may have a better outcome than just two weeks ago, but just don’t go chasing last week’s production, as the Niners and Buccaneers sit on total opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to defending the wideout position.

Jared Goff (Rams) vs. Bears

I’m truly sorry Goff drafters, there was so much promise heading into this season. The 25-year-old signal-caller is currently QB19 in fantasy points per contest and is coming off a brutal 3.7-point performance in Week 10. I don’t think things will turn around too much for Goff and his receiving crew this week against Chicago, either.

As a defensive unit, the Bears are yielding an average of 14.3 fantasy points to signal-callers through nine games and have held their last three opposing quarterbacks to under 275 passing yards, with just one touchdown through the air, a piece. In single-quarterback leagues, there should be a more appealing option than Goff either on your roster or the waiver wire to roll with in Week 11.