NFL Fantasy Football Week 11 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em taken in San Diego (NFL)

Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium.

NFL

NFL Fantasy Football Week 11 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em

By James Newell

Nov 15, 2025 • 8:57 pm

Week 11 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup, especially with four teams on a bye this week. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios.

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". If you don't your player, message me on Twitter (X) and I'll help you with your selection. Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterback

Start ‘Em

Justin Herbert (LAC) at Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS: 19.6 — Herbert delivered a floor game last week and failed to take advantage of a favorable matchup against the Steelers’ defense. He’ll have another chance this week against the Jaguars, who have allowed the third-most touchdowns and fifth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Jacksonville also generates sacks at the lowest rate in the league, which should give Herbert more time to throw. Start Herbert with confidence.

Jordan Love (GB) at New York Giants; Proj. FPTS: 17.0 — Despite back-to-back poor performances against the Panthers and Eagles, Love is a strong bounce-back candidate. In Week 11, he faces the Giants, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game and sixth-most passing yards to quarterbacks. New York also struggles to generate pressure and create takeaways. Don’t be surprised if Love takes deep shots to his receivers, including rookie Matthew Golden, who could return to the lineup Sunday. Love is a must-start this week.

Joe Flacco (CIN) at Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS: 16.7 — In four games with Cincinnati, Flacco has topped 18 fantasy points in every outing and is averaging 24.94 points per game. From Weeks 6–9, he led the league in passing yards per game and touchdown passes. With both a safe floor and high ceiling, Flacco draws another strong matchup this week against the Steelers, whom he threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns against in Week 7. Pittsburgh has allowed the second-most passing yards and seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. Flacco should have another big performance.

Honorable mentions: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) vs. Washington Commanders, Aaron Rodgers (PIT) vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Jacoby Brissett (ARI) vs. San Francisco 49ers, J.J. McCarthy (MIN) vs. Chicago Bears, Marcus Mariota (WSH) @ Miami Dolphins.

Sit ‘Em

Bo Nix (DEN) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS: 17.3 — Despite the Broncos’ 8-2 record, Nix and the offense have struggled at times. He has thrown for more than 250 yards only twice, and his three best fantasy performances came against the Bengals, Giants and Cowboys. The second-year quarterback draws an uninviting matchup this week against the Chiefs, who have allowed the third-fewest touchdowns, fifth-fewest passing yards and 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Kansas City, sitting at 5-4 and outside the AFC playoff picture, is coming off its bye and needs to start stacking wins. Avoid starting Nix this week.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX) vs. Los Angeles Chargers; Proj. FPTS: 15.4 — Similar to Nix, Lawrence has topped 20 fantasy points only twice — both games inflated by multiple rushing touchdowns. Adding to his unflattering 2025 résumé, he has thrown more than one passing touchdown just twice and has surpassed 250 yards only three times. This week he faces the Chargers, who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game, fifth-fewest touchdowns and eighth-fewest passing yards to quarterbacks. Given how volatile his floor and ceiling are, Lawrence is a sit candidate this week.

Brock Purdy (SF) at Arizona Cardinals; Proj. FPTS: 19.0 — Purdy will make his long-awaited return under center this week, but he walks into a difficult matchup. The Cardinals have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game and seventh-fewest touchdowns to quarterbacks this season. To illustrate, Sam Darnold finished with fewer than five fantasy points against them, while Dak Prescott and Jordan Love were both held under 16. Purdy also hasn’t played since Week 4, so some rust is expected. Temper expectations in his first game back.

Lowlights: Sam Darnold (SEA) @ Los Angeles Rams, Jared Goff (DET) @ Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) vs. Carolina Panthers.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Jaylen Warren (PIT) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS: 19.0 — Warren is a must-start this week against the Bengals, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game, the most rushing yards and the second-most touchdowns to running backs this season. Warren has produced RB2 numbers all season, but his best performance came in Week 7 against Cincinnati, when he rushed for a season-high 127 yards and finished with 19.8 fantasy points. He also averaged 7.9 yards per carry in that matchup. With Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart both ruled out, expect another big week from Warren.

Woody Marks (TEN) at Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS: 13.9 — Marks appears to have taken over lead-back duties from Nick Chubb. Last week, he played 80 percent of the snaps and logged 14 carries. Over the past four weeks, Marks has played more total snaps than Chubb in three games, and the two have split carries during that span. This week Marks faces the Titans, who have allowed the second-most touchdowns, fifth-most fantasy points per game and eighth-most yards to running backs. It’s also worth noting Marks posted an explosive 27.9 fantasy points in his Week 4 matchup against Houston. Marks is a strong start.

Rachaad White (TB) at Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS: 14.2 — White has struggled over his last three starts, failing to top 40 rushing yards or score a touchdown. But with Bucky Irving ruled out for at least another week, White has a get-right opportunity against the Bills. Buffalo has allowed the most touchdowns, fifth-most yards and seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Averaging 16.4 touches per game with Irving sidelined, White has shown RB2 potential. He should be in starting lineups across all leagues this week.

Honorable Mentions: Aaron Jones (MIN) vs. Chicago Bears, Ashton Jeanty (LV) vs. Dallas Cowboys, Quinshon Judkins (CLE) vs. Baltimore Ravens, Emari Demercado/Bam Knight, Rico Dowdle (CAR) @ Atlanta Falcons.

Sit ‘Em

Kenneth Walker (SEA) at Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS: 10.7 — One question that stands out: Why is Zach Charbonnet projected for fewer points than Walker? Walker hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 3 and hasn’t reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 4, even though he rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries last week. Charbonnet, meanwhile, logged 14 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown last week and has scored six times in eight games this season. Now Walker faces the Rams, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game, the fewest touchdowns and the fifth-fewest yards to running backs. Do not start Walker this week.

Derrick Henry (BAL) at Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS: 15.0 — Henry has topped double-digit fantasy points in four straight games, with a high of 19.1 during that span. He has looked better with Lamar Jackson under center, but two of those strong weeks came from multi-touchdown performances, and he still lacks receiving involvement. This week, he faces the Browns, who held him to season lows in rushing yards, yards per carry and fantasy points in their first meeting. Cleveland has allowed the third-fewest touchdowns, fourth-fewest fantasy points per game and eighth-fewest yards to running backs. Even with Henry seeking a rebound, the matchup is too tough to trust. Sit him this week.

Tyrone Tracy (NYG) vs. Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS: 12.9 — Many expected Tracy to take over the backfield following Cam Skattebo’s season-ending injury, but that hasn’t fully materialized. Tracy handled most of the carries last week, while Devin Singletary led the week prior. With a new interim head coach, it’s unclear how the workload will be divided moving forward. This week’s matchup doesn’t help, as the Packers have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game, seventh-fewest touchdowns and 10th-fewest yards to running backs. With Jameis Winston starting, New York is also likely to lean on the passing game. Avoid starting Tracy this week.

Lowlights: Tony Pollard (TEN) vs. Houston Texans, Kareem Hunt (KC) @ Denver Broncos, Chase Brown (CIN) @ Pittsburgh Steelers, R.J. Harvey (DEN) vs. Kansas City Chiefs.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Tee Higgins (CIN) at Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS: 13.6 — After an uninspiring first five weeks, Higgins has seen a major boost in volume since Joe Flacco took over. He’s averaged 19.3 fantasy points per game during that span, with no fewer than 11 in any outing. He now draws an outstanding matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game, most receptions and second-most receiving yards to wideouts. In their first meeting in Week 7, Higgins posted a 6-96-1 line, and he has scored 17 or more fantasy points in four of his last five games against Pittsburgh. His recent production and long-term success against this division rival make him a must-start.

Jaylen Waddle (MIA) vs. Washington Commanders; Proj. FPTS: 16.8 — Since Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury, Waddle has averaged 16 fantasy points per game and has dipped below 14 only once in that stretch. He dominated last week against the Bills, averaging 16.8 yards per reception and 21.7 air yards per target. This week in Madrid, the Dolphins face the Commanders, who have allowed the most receiving yards, third-most fantasy points per game and third-most touchdowns to wide receivers. Waddle is poised for a big afternoon inside the Bernabéu.

Christian Watson (GB) at New York Giants; Proj. FPTS: 9.1 — I really like Watson this week. With Tucker Kraft out and both Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden questionable, he’s set for elevated volume. The Giants’ secondary has been inconsistent and has allowed the third-most receiving yards and seventh-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. They’ve also given up the third-most deep-shot yards and play man coverage at the second-highest rate in the league — a perfect fit for Watson’s strengths. He leads Green Bay in deep-target yards, deep-target volume and ranks second on the team in yards against man coverage since returning from injury. Watson is a strong start in Week 11.

Honorable Mentions: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) vs. Green Bay Packers, George Pickens (DAL) @ Las Vegas Raiders, Ladd McConkey (LAC) @ Jacksonville Jaguars, Tez Johnson (TB) @ Buffalo Bills, Tre Tucker (LV) vs. Dallas Cowboys, Miichael Wilson (AZ) vs. San Francisco 49ers.

Sit ‘Em

DK Metcalf (PIT) vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS: 12.6 — I’m genuinely concerned about Metcalf’s fantasy value. He opened the 2025 season strong with double-digit fantasy points in every game, but over his last four outings he has reached that mark just once. Similar to George Pickens during his time in Pittsburgh, defenses have begun consistently doubling Metcalf because they know the other receivers struggle to separate. That showed in recent matchups against the Colts and Chargers, where he combined for just five catches and 41 yards. Even in his first meeting with Cincinnati, he managed only three receptions for 50 yards. He’s capable of a breakout game, but it’s hard to trust that it comes this week against the Bengals.

Deebo Samuel (WAS) vs. Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS: 13.9 — Like Metcalf, Samuel started his first year in Washington on a high note, but his production has fizzled. Over his last four games, he has averaged just under eight fantasy points and hasn’t surpassed 50 receiving yards. This week he faces a tough, underrated Dolphins secondary that has allowed the third-fewest receiving yards and fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts. With Samuel lining up in the slot on 55 percent of his snaps, it’s worth noting Miami has allowed just one touchdown to slot receivers all season. Avoid Samuel in Week 11.

DJ Moore (CHI) at Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS: 10.2 — Things have taken a rough turn for Moore, especially after it looked like he had rediscovered his rhythm in strong outings against the Ravens and Bengals. Despite a favorable matchup last week — and Caleb Williams throwing 36 times — Moore posted a goose egg. He isn’t making the big or deep plays he once did, leaving him dependent on touchdowns for fantasy value. Now he enters Week 11 with a shoulder injury. The Vikings have allowed only eight receiving touchdowns all season and rank seventh in both fewest fantasy points allowed and fewest yards allowed to wideouts. Look elsewhere this week.

Lowlights: Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) @ Atlanta Falcons, Drake London (ATL) vs. Carolina Panthers, Calvin Ridley/Chimere Dike (TEN) vs. Houston Texans, Troy Franklin (DEN) vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Juwan Jennings (SF) @ Arizona Cardinals.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Zach Ertz (WSH) at Miami Dolphins; Proj. FPTS: 10.0 — Some managers might be hesitant to trust Ertz because of Marcus Mariota and the broader concerns surrounding Washington’s offense, but I’m not. He enters Week 11 with a strong matchup against the Dolphins, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game, the third-most yards and the second-most touchdowns to tight ends. Ertz has seen four or more targets in all but two games this season, and his volume should remain steady — if not increase — given Washington’s limited pass-catching options. In this matchup, Ertz is a start.

Kyle Pitts (ATL) vs. Carolina Panthers; Proj. FPTS: 10.3 — Pitts has frustrated fantasy managers over the past couple of weeks, including last week’s game in Berlin. But this is a new week and a fresh opportunity for the fourth-year tight end. He faces a favorable matchup against the Panthers, who have allowed the fourth-most touchdowns, fifth-most yards and seventh-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Despite his recent slump, Pitts leads the Falcons in receptions and ranks second in targets and receiving yards over the past month. Start him with confidence.

Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) at Jacksonville Jaguars; Proj. FPTS: 10.5 — Gadsden was on track for another solid outing last week with six targets before exiting after banging knees with a defender. Despite the scare, he avoided the injury report and is cleared to play. He draws another favorable matchup against the Jaguars, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game, second-most touchdowns and seventh-most yards to tight ends. Even with plenty of competition for targets in the Chargers’ offense, Gadsden has seen at least five targets in every game since Week 6. With his consistent usage and premium matchup, Gadsden is a must-start this week.

Honorable Mentions: Cade Otton (TB) @ Buffalo Bills, Noah Fant (CIN) @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Pat Freiermuth (PIT) vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Theo Johnson (NYG) vs. Green Bay Packers.

Sit ‘Em

T.J. Hockenson (MIN) vs. Chicago Bears; Proj. FPTS: 8.5 - Hockenson simply can’t be trusted in fantasy this season. He has topped 10 fantasy points just twice and is averaging only 4.7 points per game with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Even worse: his season-high yardage with McCarthy under center is just 15. Yikes. Do not start Hockenson in any format, even with an OK matchup against the Bears.

David Njoku (CLE) vs. Baltimore Ravens; Proj. FPTS: 8.4 - If I were Njoku managers, I’d be worried. Despite scoring last week and posting back-to-back double-digit fantasy outings, he saw only two targets in a game where Dillon Gabriel attempted 32 passes. Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. has actually been more involved, leading the Browns in receptions and yards. The matchup with the Ravens isn’t overly daunting for tight ends, but Baltimore has allowed just one passing touchdown over the last three games. Expect a low-floor performance from Njoku.

Mark Andrews (BAL) at Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS: 9.2 - The last time I faded Andrews, he burned me with a 27-point explosion. I probably shouldn’t place him in this category again, but I don’t like the matchup. Cleveland held him to one catch for 2 yards in their first meeting, and for the season the Browns have allowed the sixth-fewest yards and ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. Andrews has only eight catches for 70 yards over his last three contests, salvaging his value with three touchdowns. Ignore the name value and bench him this week.

Lowlights: Evan Engram (DEN) vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Dalton Schultz (HOU) @ Tennessee Titans, Chig Okonkwo (TEN) vs. Houston Texans, Dallas Goedert (PHI) vs. Detroit Lions.

Defenses

Start ‘Em

Houston Texans Defense at Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS: 7.7 — I’ve maintained the same strategy since early in the season: start any defense facing the Titans. Tennessee has allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Cam Ward has been sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL, and the Titans rank ninth in turnovers. Houston also boasts a talented, motivated defense. They are easily the top streaming option this week.

Baltimore Ravens Defense at Cleveland Browns; Proj. FPTS: 6.2 — Baltimore is another defense I like this week. One of the only two times the Ravens posted double-digit fantasy points came against Cleveland in Week 2. The Browns have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Baltimore’s defense has also benefited from improved health since their bye, helping them record seven takeaways. Over the past couple of weeks, the Ravens have combined for 18 fantasy points. Start Baltimore this week.

Dallas Cowboys Defense at Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS: 6.7 — Normally I wouldn’t recommend starting the Cowboys, but this week they are a strong streaming option against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses and ranks eighth in sacks and giveaways, which should play in Dallas’ favor. The recent additions of Quinnen Williams and Logan Williams further bolster the defense.

Honorable Mentions: Atlanta Falcons Defense vs. Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs Defense @ Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers Defense @ New York Giants

Sit 'Em

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense vs. Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS: 6.3 — Starting the Steelers’ defense is a gamble at this point. Their week-to-week performance is unpredictable, and they face a tough matchup against the Bengals, who dominated them in their first meeting. Beyond struggling to defend a simple slant in Week 7, Cincinnati has scored 33 or more points in three straight games. Pittsburgh is too risky to start this week; look elsewhere.

Detroit Lions Defense at Philadelphia Eagles; Proj. FPTS: 5.5 — The Lions are often better in real life than in fantasy, and this week is no exception. Despite playing well most of last week’s game against the Commanders, Detroit scored just two fantasy points. They face the Eagles, who allow the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Avoid starting the Lions this week.

Denver Broncos Defense vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS: 5.8 — The Broncos present an intriguing matchup on paper, but I wouldn’t risk them this week. They lead the league in sacks, rank third in yards allowed per game, and are top ten across multiple defensive categories. However, they face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs without Patrick Surtain II. Kansas City also allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, ranks eighth-lowest in sacks allowed and doesn’t turn the ball over often. Avoid Denver this week.

Lowlights: Philadelphia Eagles Defenses vs. Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense @ Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Bills Defense vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.