Quarterback
Justin Herbert- This is a weird slate with a very clear path to spending down at QB, but if you’re looking to differentiate I’m locked onto Justin Herbert at the top-tier. Herbert has averaged over 24 fantasy points per games in his starts this season, and matches up with the abysmal New York Jets defense. The Jets have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to this position this season, and with the the backfield for the Chargers still banged up, Herbert is a likely candidate for a QB sneak should they get close to the goal line.
Taysom Hill- I don’t want to play this guy, but I don’t see how you’d avoid it *in cash games* should he be confirmed as the starter. I think it’s likely we still see a little Winston in this game, and he could get benched if things go poorly, but his rushing ability in a plus matchup is likely too good to pass up at below $5K on DraftKings. I will likely lock him into my optimal build, and fade him entirely in tournaments (on DK).
Other Options: Joe Burrow
Running Back
Dalvin Cook- Cook is the safest play on this main slate in my opinion, and I’m looking to stuff in his floor with the abundance of value. He has over 22 touches in every game post-injury, and is third in the NFL with 11 carries inside the five yard line. I likely would have look to pair him with Alvin Kamara had Winston started for the Saints, but with the Taysom show in full-effect, the trolling potential is too great for me to jam in Kamara at a $9K price tag.
Duke Johnson- I think Dukie is a potential edge in Week 11, given his dud against the Browns people will be unlikely to run it back. Dud aside, he still handled every rush attempt and will be locked into a near every down role against the Patriots this week. The Pats haven’t been as tough on running backs this season as in years past, due to their opt-outs, and there are few plays with a point-per-dollar workload better than Johnson this Sunday.
Kalen Ballage- Imagine someone from 2018 looking into the future and seeing these players I have written up…but Ballage is set for another bell cow role for the Chargers this week. He has 17+ touches in each of his last two games, and Justin Jackson remains out while Josh Kelley resides in the doghouse. His five catches last week give him a realistic floor on DK, and the Jets have given up the sixth-most RB catches in 2020.
Other Options: Aaron Jones, Antonio Gibson, Alvin Kamara
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin- Last week, McLaurin was my favorite play on the slate by the time we got to Sunday, and I’m in the same boat again this week. He’s still pacing the NFL with a 41% Air Yards share, and managed 18.5 DK points last week with JD McKissic vacuuming 15 targets. The Bengals secondary is banged up, and they are now allowing the seventh-most fantasy points per game to receivers. I don’t like paying ceiling price tags for guys on bad offenses, but if there is a spot for Alex Smith to pop off…it’s this one.
Justin Jefferson- I had Jefferson second behind Jalen Reagor in this class for fantasy purposes post-NFL Draft, and it’s looking like Jefferson has something to say about that. Not only has he been one of the best rookies, but he’s been one of the best receivers in the entire NFL. He doesn’t have the high floor that we like in cash games, but he makes up for it with a slate-breaking ceiling. The Cowboys give up the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Diontae Johnson- I foolishly moved off Johnson on FanDuel in Week 10, and I think he is a great play again this week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has surrendered the eighth-most yards to wideouts this season, and Johnson continues to post double-digit targets in games he can stay healthy. JuJu, Claypool and James Washington are always threats, but Johnson feels like a solid floor/ceiling combo at his price in a plus matchup.
Jakobi Meyers- I can’t believe it’s Week 11 and a Patriots receiver is set to be chalk, but here we are. Meyers is extremely cheap on DK at $4,900 despite hogging over 40% of the Pats targets over their last few games. We can’t expect massive volume from Cam Newton throwing the ball, but it’s clear when he does he is looking Meyers’ way. Houston is allowing 40 PPR points per game to WR’s this season.
Other Options: Davante Adams, Keenan Allen, Jalen Reagor
Tight End
TJ Hockenson- On DraftKings, Hockenson is his lowest price of the season despite being in arguably his best spot. The Panthers have faced the most tight end targets in the NFL this season, and now all of Kenny Golladay, Danny Amendola and D’Andre Swift are out.
Taysom Hill on FanDuel- It’s hilarious that this is even a thing, but we have an expected QB listed at TE…just play him.
Written by Ben Hossler (Follow @BenHossler on Twitter)
