I would never lie to y'all.
This is not a great week on the waiver wire.
That said, these are often the weeks that deliver long-term value because FAAB prices are almost certainly going to be depressed.
Sean Tucker stands out as someone to target in this type of waiver week, and there are plug-and-play options at receiver.
Let's get to them.
As a reminder, recommended adds are available in at least 60% of ESPN leagues, and the watch list consists of players worth monitoring.
The deep cuts section for running backs and receivers highlights players who are rostered in fewer than 5% of ESPN leagues, for all you “not in my league” degens.
I will not list recommended FAAB percentages for every player because there is a much better resource for researching what you need to bid, thanks to our friends at FAABLab.
Finally, I will not be ranking kickers and defenses because, frankly, I don’t care about them and would like to see them disappear from the game.
With those caveats out of the way, let’s get to it.
Contents
Best Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups: Quarterback
*Check if Joe Burrow is available
- Jacoby Brissett
- Marcus Mariota
- Joe Flacco
- Geno Smith
- Aaron Rodgers
Best Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups: Running Back
*Check if Trey Benson or RJ Harvey is available
- Sean Tucker
- Emari Demercado
- Michael Carter
- Devin Singletary
- Brashard Smith
Best Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups: Wide Receiver
*Check if Jayden Reed is available
- Parker Washington
- Tez Johnson
- Christian Watson
- Tyler Lockett
- Mack Hollins
- Dontayvion Wicks
- Luther Burden
- Kyle Williams
Best Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups: Tight Ends
- Cade Otton
- Brenton Strange
- Luke Musgrave
- Dawson Knox
- Dalton Schultz
- Mason Taylor
Quarterback Waiver Targets, Week 11
1. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals — Available in 82.6% of ESPN leagues
There are actually a lot of streaming options available at quarterback this week. Brissett stands out among that group both because of the matchup against an injury-ravaged 49ers defense and his recent fantasy success. Since taking over in Week 6. Brissett is the QB8 in points per game among all qualified quarterbacks.
2. Marcus Mariota, Commanders — Available in 88.6% of ESPN leagues
Mariota did not have a great game against the Lions, but he was still the QB12 for the week and added 22 yards on the ground. The Dolphins have been playing the run better of late, but they are still vulnerable to quarterbacks.
3. Joe Flacco, Bengals — Available in 66.9% of ESPN leagues
Joe Burrow will be back soon — reportedly targeting Week 13, check if he is on your waivers — but Flacco will get at least a couple more starts. He has attempted 45, 47, 34, and 47 throws in his four starts for the Bengals. One of those starts came against the Steelers, when he threw for 342 yards and 3 scores.
4. Geno Smith, Raiders — Available in 93.8% of ESPN leagues
I also don't like this, but Smith is at home facing a Cowboys defense that has been run through by Bo Nix and Jacoby Brissett in their last two games. We have seen some big games from Smith this year, including 4 touchdowns against the Jaguars back in Week 9.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Steelers — Available in 65.9% of ESPN leagues
Rodgers did not have the game we were hoping to see against the Chargers, but he gets a much better matchup at home against the Bengals this week. He lit up Cincy for 249 yards and 4 touchdowns in their first meeting this season, and we should expect the Bengals offense to push the Steelers to throw more than usual.
Watch List: Tua Tagovailoa gets a great matchup against the Commanders, but there are enough other options that we don't have to chase…It seems like Brock Purdy will finally be back this week, but we have said that a lot in the past, so keep Mac Jones on speed dial…Michael Penix has two games with multiple touchdown passes this season and was shut down by the Panthers the last time he played them, although he will get them at home this week…Trevor Lawrence has not been a reliable fantasy option this season, and the Chargers are not a favorable matchup…I will not have a ton of interest in Russell Wilson if he gets the start this week, but I will be watching if Jameis Winston gets a crack following the coaching shake-up. Of course, my first hope is that Jaxson Dart recovers in time to suit up.
Running Back Waiver Targets, Week 11
1. Sean Tucker, Buccaneers — Available in 96.5% of ESPN leagues
Tucker is the obvious top running back add and really the only guy I am interested in outside of stashes in the watch list. We have seen Tucker's role trending up over the last two games. Over the span, he has just 2 fewer carries than Rachaad White and has been the much better runner. Tucker has his two highest snap totals and two highest touch totals of the season over the last two games. Of course, White still has dominated the work in the passing game, which is the concern this week with a road trip to Buffalo. If Tucker does not get scripted out of the game, though, he gets a great matchup as a runner. The Bills are 30th in yards per carry allowed to running backs and have allowed two running backs to go over 200 yards from scrimmage in the last four games. The Rams are a bad matchup all around for Tucker in Week 12, but after that, the Bucs get the Cardinals, Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Dolphins, and Panthers again to close out the season. We would hope Bucky Irving is back for some of those games, but his timetable remains up in the air. That makes Tucker an interesting add and DFS play this week, as well as a potential higher upside stash if he continues to build his role and Irving does not return in time for that run of games.
2. Emari Demercado, Cardinals — Available in 81.5% of ESPN leagues
3. Michael Carter, Cardinals — Available in 89.4% of ESPN leagues
The actual answer to the Cardinals' backfield situation is to see if Trey Benson is available in your league and hope he returns quickly, but the injury to Bam Knight could open up some work if you are desperate. Demercado has had a more consistent role recently than Carter, but Carter played 8 snaps to just 3 for Demercado in the fourth quarter with Knight out. Demercado's Week 9 usage looks more like a blip, but that is also something to consider, and he has created big plays. Ultimately, I do not want any part of this situation, but the 49ers are so injured on defense that it could work out for one of these guys, and I would bet on Demercado with the hope he is less likely to be scripted out of the game.
4. Devin Singletary, Giants — Available in 63.1% of ESPN leagues
After Tucker, there is not much I am interested in this week at running back. Singletary at least has a case because he is getting work in the Giants' backfield, but the usage flipped right back into Tyrone Tracy‘s direction in Week 10. Tracy is also a bigger factor as a receiver, running 36 routes to 22 for Singletary over the last two games. If it sounds like I am not making a strong case for Singletary, that because I don't think there is one, but he will get touches if you need them.
5. Brashard Smith, Chiefs — Available in 93.1% of ESPN leagues
We still do not know if Isiah Pacheco will return this week. Even if he sits out, the Chiefs leaned heavily on Kareem Hunt before the bye, with Smith playing just 10 snaps. That was in a big game, which is why I expected Hunt to have a bigger role, but they come out of the bye with a road contest against the Broncos. I would still expect Hunt to be the guy there, but perhaps the Chiefs will feel more comfortable using Smith more coming out of the bye, making him a deep league stash.
Watch List: We are back to uncertainty behind Saquon Barkley, with Will Shipley playing more and getting 3 more touches than Tank Bigsby…Even with Ollie Gordon playing more, I have long thought Jaylen Wright is the handcuff you want behind De'Von Achane. With Gordon nursing an injury, Wright played more snaps and got 5 carries against the Bills…Isaiah Davis remains the kind of handcuff we want since he should get touches most weeks, but that Jets offense was really bad against the Browns…Brian Robinson Jr, Blake Corum, Ray Davis, and Emanuel Wilson stand out as other good stashes…Samaje Perine is an injury question mark coming out of the bye, and he had stopped gaining ground on Chase Brown for the lead job before that injury…Bhayshul Tuten is just a handcuff right now.
Deep Cuts: Chris Rodriguez Jr. was getting the work we expected and scored a touchdown, but he suffered an injury…Tyler Badie is likely to continue in a passing-down role regardless of what happens, but the injury to J.K. Dobbins could open up touches for Jaleel McLaughlin if the Broncos are not comfortable using RJ Harvey in a full-time role. Of course, we still don't know if the Dobbins injury is truly serious…It is unlikely to matter for fantasy as long as Derrick Henry is healthy, but John Harbaugh did discuss getting Keaton Mitchell more work.
Wide Receiver Waiver Targets, Week 11
1. Parker Washington, Jaguars — Available in 83.1% of ESPN leagues
It was not a great outcome for the Jaguars, but we saw what we wanted out of Washington in Week 10. He ran a route on 93.8% of Jacksonville's dropbacks, leading the team with 7 targets. He only caught 3 of them in a tough matchup, but one was a highlight grab in the end zone, something Washington has done regularly in his career going back to his time at Penn State. We will have to see how the targets shake out as Jakobi Meyers gets more comfortable with the offense, Brian Thomas Jr. gets back in the lineup, and Brenton Strange is activated from injured reserve. Regardless, Washington should have a role in the slot the rest of the way.
2. Tez Johnson, Bucs — Available in 72.1% of ESPN leagues
2 touchdowns made Johnson's Week 10 look a lot better, but he continued to be a major factor in the offense, running a route on 86.7% of Tampa's dropbacks. With Chris Godwin not expected to return this week, Johnson appears set for another big role in what could be a shootout against the Bills.
3. Christian Watson, Packers — Available in 72.1% of ESPN leagues
Tucker Kraft is out for the season, Jayden Reed is on injured reserve (though he could be back soon, so it is worth checking on him in your leagues), Matthew Golden was inactive on Monday night, and Romeo Doubs left early with a chest injury. Golden and Doubs could play this week — we will have to watch the injury reports — but the Packers suddenly look incredibly thin at receiver. Watson only ended up with 2 catches for 45 yards against the Eagles, but he ran the most routes on the team. He has an easier matchup this week against the Giants.
4. Tyler Lockett, Raiders — Available in 98.1% of ESPN leagues
I am not sure why the Raiders are leaning into Lockett down the stretch of a lost season instead of getting work for Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech, but that is exactly what they are doing. Lockett ran a route on 80% of the dropbacks in Week 10 and led the team with 6 targets. He has an elite matchup this week against the Cowboys.
5. Mack Hollins, Patriots — Available in 99.4% of ESPN leagues
While we focused on Kyle Williams last week, Hollins saw the real bump in opportunity. Honestly, that was a miss by me since Hollins was always going to be on the field more because of his ability as a blocker. He tied for the most routes on the team in Week 10, and he led the team with 10 targets. He turned those into 6 catches for 106 yards. Hollins has only been targeted on 16.6% of his routes this season, so there is some volatility, but he is the Patriots receiver I would target this week, assuming Kayshon Boutte once again sits.
6. Dontayvion Wicks, Packers — Available in 98.9% of ESPN leagues
Wicks benefited the most from the injuries to Green Bay's receivers on Monday night, leading the team with 8 targets. He turned those looks into just 4 catches for 38 yards, but as mentioned with Watson, the road gets easier this week against the Giants. Wicks could be worth a start depending on how Green Bay's injury report looks at the end of the week.
7. Luther Burden, Bears — Available in 95% of ESPN leagues
It was partly influenced by an injury to D.J. Moore, but Burden set a season-high with a 48.8% route rate in Week 10. Again, it is injury-affected, but Moore has also had his two lowest route rates of the season in the last two games. Burden simply needs to play more to be a real fantasy factor, but he remains a stash.
8. Kyle Williams, Patriots — Available in 98.8% of ESPN leagues
Hollins is the Patriot you want for this week, assuming Boutte sits out another game, but Williams is the stash. He ran a route on 58.3% of New England's dropbacks and was targeted just twice despite Boutte missing Week 10, but he showed what he can do with the ball in his hands on a 72-yard touchdown. It was a good first step for the rookie.
Watch List: Darius Slayton had a good game in Week 10 but missed some time with a hamstring injury. That injury and the status of Jaxson Dart make him a more risky play this week…Darnell Mooney has had a season to forget, but he did get 8 targets in Week 10…It looks like Ricky Pearsall will be back this week, but we still have no timetable on Brandon Aiyuk. Either way, the days of Kendrick Bourne as a fantasy factor could be over…The Texans leaned a little more into their rookies in Week 10, with Jayden Higgins running a route on 53.1% of the dropbacks and Jaylin Noel sitting at 34.7%. Christian Kirk was down to 49%. None of those marks is good enough for standalone value, but it is a trend worth watching…The Titans return from their bye to a horrible matchup, and we could see Calvin Ridley return. That is bad news for the fantasy prospects of Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike…Not only did Tory Horton see a trade that severely dented his value, but he also suffered an injury in practice last week.
Deep Cuts: Garrett Wilson is expected to miss a few weeks, but it is tough to chase any New York receivers given the state of that passing game. AD Mitchell has been a good target earner when given the chance, but he is learning a new offense. Arian Smith is the young prospect who could use some snaps, but we have not seen him consistently draw targets yet. Tyler Johnson had a couple of solid games in Week 7 and Week 8. He might be the best short-term bet…I was fully prepared to write about Treylon Burks this week, but he showed up with a finger injury on Monday and will not play. That could open up more routes for Jaylin Lane…It did not result in a lot of targets, but Devaughn Vele ran a route on 100% of New Orleans' dropbacks in Week 10 after the coaching staff talked about getting him more involved. That is worth watching.
Tight End Waiver Targets, Week 11
1. Cade Otton, Bucs — Available in 65.3% of ESPN leagues
We worried about the Bucs being healthier coming out of the bye and that limiting Otton's role. That did not happen, and he compiled another 12 targets, turning those into 8 catches for 82 yards. Since Week 6, Otton has run a route on 89.4% of Tampa Bay's dropbacks and been targeted on 23.7% of those routes. He is averaging 8 targets over those four games. He still has yet to log a receiving touchdown this season, which is a bummer, but the volume is there.
2. Brenton Strange, Jaguars — Available in 90.4% of ESPN leagues
Strange has already been designated to return, and it seems like he is on track to play this week. His return could not come at a better time for the Jaguars, who are struggling with injuries at receiver. Strange ran a route on 77.3% of the dropbacks over the first four games, drawing a target on 19.8% of those routes. He did not have any end zone targets, which is a concern, but he should be a good source of volume.
3. Luke Musgrave, Packers — Available in 83.6% of ESPN leagues
I was out on Musgrave last week, both because he does not offer the same skill set as Tucker Kraft and the matchup was extremely difficult. Well, one of those issues resolves this week with the Giants on deck. Despite the lackluster counting stats, Musgrave did run a route on 82.9% of Green Bay's dropbacks on Monday night. The Packers also desperately need someone to step up in the passing game.
4. Dawson Knox, Bills — Available in 99.2% of ESPN leagues
It sounds like Dalton Kincaid will miss this week, which opens the door for Dawson Knox. Kincaid missed Week 6 against the Falcons. Knox only saw 2 targets in that game, but he ran a route on 77.1% of the team's dropbacks. He also converted 1 of those targets into a touchdown.
5. Dalton Schultz, Texans — Available in 73% of ESPN leagues
I don't want to fall into the Schultz trap, and the matchup this week against the Titans is not even that good. He does have 19 targets over the last two games, though, and had a 10-target game back in Week 7. I would feel better about this if C.J. Stroud is back this week.
6. Mason Taylor, Jets — Available in 86.9% of ESPN leagues
Hear me out. This passing game is bad, but it has been more productive when forced to throw. The Jets are 11.5-point road underdogs on Thursday night. Garrett Wilson is not going to play this week and likely several weeks after that. With Wilson off the field this season, Taylor has run a route on 87.1% of the dropbacks and been targeted on 17.3% of those routes. It is not exciting, but there is a case for Taylor.
Watch List: Darren Waller is getting closer to a potential return, but Greg Dulcich has been the go-to pass catcher at tight end the last two games, seeing 9 targets total over that span…The Steelers ransacked the Bengals with their tight ends back in Week 7, feeding a 5-111-2 line to Pat Freiermuth, a 3-28-1 line to Jonnu Smith, and even getting Darnell Washington in the mix with 3 catches for 2 yards and another score. This is a great matchup, but good luck picking the right guy. Since that game, Smith has 10 targets, Freiermuth has 11 targets, and Washington has 7 targets…I expected more Michael Mayer in Week 10, but he ran a route on just 40% of the dropbacks, which is not going to be enough in this passing game…Isaiah Likely did get 5 targets, but he has run a route on 50% of dropbacks over the last two weeks…Elijah Arroyo ran 4 more routes than A.J. Barner in Week 10, but it is tough to take too much out of that blowout.