Welcome to Week 11 Start/Sit for the 2024 NFL fantasy football season. I will be publishing this article every week throughout the season to help you make your start/sit decisions.
Scroll through my top starts and sits at each position. I do my best to avoid picking elite players for “Start ‘Em” to make it more actionable.
Don’t forget to use this and our terrific fantasy football rankings to help you set your lineups this week.
Week 11 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
QB Start ‘Em
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (vs CIN)
Justin Herbert is averaging 241.7 passing yards and 27.7 rushing yards per game in his last three. We’ve got a projected shootout vs the Bengals, as highlighted by the 47.5-point total. Cincinnati ranks 28th in fantasy points per game allowed to quarterbacks. I’d start Herbert over Joe Burrow this week.
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Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (vs ATL)
Bo Nix has put up 20+ fantasy points in three of his last six. The Broncos’ rookie is averaging 19.9 expected fantasy points per game, which ranks as QB4, per PFF. We’ve seen Nix do damage on the ground, averaging 29 rushing yards per game. Atlanta has given up rushing production to quarterbacks, such as Jalen Hurts (85) and Justin Fields (57). I’d start Nix over Joe Burrow this week.
QB Sit ‘Em
Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (at CHI)
Jordan Love is in a tough spot vs the Bears. Chicago has allowed 15 fantasy points or less to seven of nine quarterbacks they’ve faced this season. This includes only 4.8 points to Kyler Murray. Expect the Packers to lean on Josh Jacobs against this run-funnel defense. I’d sit Love for Drake Maye in this spot.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (at TEN)
Sam Darnold goes up against a Titans defense that ranks 10th in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. The Vikings’ signal-caller was dealing with a hand injury this week. While he got in a full practice on Friday, it’s still worth noting. There are several superior options over Darnold in Week 11, including Anthony Richardson.
Week 11 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Running Backs
RB Start ‘Em
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (at NO)
Nick Chubb has been inefficient since returning from injury, but we could see him look better following the bye week. This is a good matchup vs the Saints, who rank 31st in Rush EPA. There’s a reasonable chance that this is the breakout game we’ve been waiting for. I’d play Chubb over Najee Harris this week.
Audric Estime, Denver Broncos (vs ATL)
Audric Estime has taken over the Broncos’ backfield, set for a strong matchup vs the Falcons, who rank 20th in Rush EPA. The Broncos’ rookie has a rushing yards prop of 54.5, which shows you that betting markets are projecting a reasonable workload here. I’d play Estime over Najee Harris as well.
RB Sit ‘Em
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs BAL)
Speaking of Najee Harris, I’m bearish on his projection this week, even with Jaylen Warren banged up. The Ravens have a stout run defense that ranks 2nd in Rush EPA. This is a pass-funnel group that will force Russell Wilson to air it out more than usual. I’d go as far as to play Travis Etienne over Harris this week.
Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (at MIA)
Alexander Mattison has been the lead back for the Raiders, but we could see a change in usage following Luke Getsy’s firing over the bye week. Add in the fact that the Dolphins have been stout on the ground lately, holding Kyren Williams to only 62 yards, and you can see why Mattison is a bench. I’d start Gus Edwards over Mattison this week.
Week 11 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers
WR Start ‘Em
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (at MIA)
Jakobi Meyers has put up 20 catches, 224 yards, and one touchdown in his last three games. This is a good matchup against the Dolphins, who have struggled vs perimeter receivers this season, most recently Puka Nacua. I’d play Meyers over Drake London in this favorable matchup.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (vs JAC)
Jameson Williams is in a blow-up spot against a Jaguars defense that ranks 32nd in Pass EPA. This is the type of ceiling that you want to target this week. While there’s risk that the Lions get ahead on the ground and just sleep-walk to victory, I’d fire up Williams over Jayden Reed this week.
WR Sit ‘Em
Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons (at DEN)
Darnell Mooney has a tough matchup against the Broncos, who rank 4th in Pass EPA. It’s also worth noting that the veteran popped up on the injury report with an Achilles injury. While he doesn’t have an injury designation for the game, the fact that he had a limited practice on Thursday is a bit concerning. I’d sit Mooney for Quentin Johnston this week.
Brian Thomas Jr, Jacksonville Jaguars (at DET)
Brian Thomas Jr. is clearly at less than 100% right now, as he’s playing through a chest injury. The rookie is also held back by Mac Jones under center with Trevor Lawrence injured. The Lions rank 5th in Pass EPA, so we could see them shut down Thomas in this unfavorable spot. I’d sit Thomas for Jaylen Waddle.
Week 11 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends
TE Start ‘Em
Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills (vs KC)
Dawson Knox takes over for the injured Dalton Kincaid. It’s perfect timing against the Chiefs, who rank 30th in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends. Keon Coleman remains out, while Amari Cooper is banged up, so the Bills have a limited group of pass-catchers. That means more opportunities for Knox. I’d play him over Jake Ferguson this week.
Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers (vs CIN)
Will Dissly is another appealing streamer this week, set for a favorable matchup vs the Bengals, who rank 29th in fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends. With Justin Herbert likely to have success through the air, Dissly could be a beneficiary. We saw the veteran put up 81 yards vs the Cardinals a couple weeks ago. I’d play Dissly over Dalton Schultz.
TE Sit ‘Em
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (at DAL)
Dalton Schultz was unable to capitalize on increased opportunity with Nico Collins out, and now the superstar receiver is set to return for the Texans. While this will help the entire offense, I’m not willing to play Schultz given the questionable target share. Sit Schultz for Jonnu Smith this week.
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (vs GB)
The Bears finally moved on from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, but I’m betting that we’ll see a run-heavy approach going forward, which is bad news for Cole Kmet. The Bears’ tight end is likely going to get low volume while competing for looks with Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, and Keenan Allen in an offense that favors the run. Sit Kmet for Pat Freiermuth this week.
How to Make Start’Em, Sit’ Em Decisions For NFL Week 11
Use Matchup Stats
Check the team defensive stats of a player’s opponent. For example, if deciding between quarterbacks, check how many passing yards and passing touchdowns each opponent allows per game.
Check Injury Reports
Is one opponent dealing with many injuries, particularly to a position group?
For example, in 2022, the Eagles led the NFL with 70 sacks. If the Eagles faced an offensive line with multiple injuries, that could be a bad recipe for the opposing quarterback.
It’s also possible that an offense is beset with injuries, which can lead to more opportunities presented to another player.
For example, San Francisco RB Elijah Mitchell was injured from Weeks 2 to 8 and again from Weeks 13 to 17. Jeff Wilson Jr. was the primary beneficiary over the first span, while Christian McCaffrey took over after Week 7.
Check the Snap Counts
After every week, the NFL releases how many snaps (or plays) each player participated in. Sometimes, you notice a backup getting more and more playing time over time.
Watch the Games
Build up your eye for the game by simply watching with an attention to detail. Highlights don’t tell the full story.
Good players pop off the screen. They give the extra effort; they turn a 5-yard gain into a 10-yard gain; they make a defender miss; they make that spectacular throw, catch, run, tackle, etc.
Learn More About the Xs and Os
Who is on the field in a 12 personnel? What is Cover 0? What is the 3 technique? What is a route tree? What is outside leverage? If you don’t know the answer to these questions—it’s okay—but there may be some blind spots in your football knowledge.
Embrace these challenges and branch out by learning how the pros play the game.
