Last-minute pickups for Week 11: Joe Flacco, Devin Singletary among top options

Quarterback Analysis: Volume, Mobility, and Matchups

The quarterback position offers a blend of veteran consistency and athletic upside for Week 11. Leading the charge is Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals, currently rostered in 39.3% of ESPN leagues, who faces the Pittsburgh Steelers. Flacco has demonstrated a remarkable resurgence, particularly against this very opponent. In the Week 7 encounter, Flacco delivered a standout performance, accumulating 25.98 fantasy points by throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. A significant factor in that game was the Steelers’ inability to contain Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who recorded 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. Flacco’s recent form is compelling, having scored at least 24 points in each of his past three starts. His tenure with the Bengals has been characterized by high passing volume, averaging more than 43 pass attempts per game. This high-volume approach often translates into substantial fantasy production, especially in games where the Bengals find themselves needing to chase points, a scenario that frequently arises in competitive divisional matchups. The Steelers’ defense, while historically robust, has shown vulnerabilities in their secondary this season, particularly against high-volume passing attacks, which could again play into Flacco’s favor.

Another intriguing option is Marcus Mariota of the Washington Commanders, rostered in 14.7% of leagues, who travels to face the Miami Dolphins. Mariota’s fantasy value is significantly bolstered by his dual-threat capabilities. In the Week 10 loss to the Detroit Lions, he posted 18.72 points, contributing two passing touchdowns and adding 22 rushing yards on five carries. Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has a well-documented history of designing plays that leverage Mariota’s athleticism, incorporating designed runs and utilizing spread offensive elements to generate production both through the air and on the ground. The Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins is particularly appealing, as Miami’s defense has struggled against opposing quarterbacks this season, ranking in the bottom 10 and allowing an average of 19.5 fantasy points per game to the position. This defensive vulnerability could provide Mariota with ample opportunities to exploit open running lanes and find passing targets, making him a high-upside play for managers in deeper leagues.

Rounding out the quarterback selections is J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings, rostered in 48.5% of leagues, who hosts the Chicago Bears. While McCarthy’s passing efficiency has been a concern over his past two starts, with a 50.7% completion rate and three interceptions, his rushing contributions offer a crucial boost to his fantasy floor and ceiling. He has recorded at least five carries in each of his last two games, including a touchdown run. The Week 1 matchup against the Bears saw McCarthy score 22.22 points, indicating his potential against this divisional rival. The Bears’ defense has demonstrated issues defending designed quarterback run concepts, as evidenced by their struggles against Jaxson Dart in Week 10. Furthermore, McCarthy benefits from elite perimeter matchups with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who can exploit weaknesses in Chicago’s secondary. Despite the recent passing struggles, McCarthy’s rushing upside and the favorable matchup against a familiar opponent position him as a viable fantasy starter.

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Wide Receiver Outlook: Elevated Roles and Deep Threats

The wide receiver pool offers options primarily driven by increased target share due to injuries or inherent big-play potential. Michael Wilson of the Arizona Cardinals, rostered in a mere 8.7% of leagues, steps into a significantly elevated role as he faces the San Francisco 49ers. The absence of Marvin Harrison Jr. due to an appendectomy thrusts Wilson into the No. 1 wide receiver position for the Cardinals. Wilson possesses sufficient speed to stretch defenses vertically, but his refined route-running traits allow him to consistently work the intermediate levels of the field. He has averaged 6.1 targets per game this season, a number that is projected to notably increase with Harrison sidelined. While the 49ers’ defense is formidable, the sheer volume Wilson is expected to command makes him an attractive pickup, as target share is a critical determinant of fantasy success.

For managers seeking a high-upside play, Tez Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rostered in 35.4% of leagues, is a viable option against the Buffalo Bills. With Chris Godwin Jr. still recovering from a fibula injury, Johnson has stepped up, delivering a career-best 20.2 fantasy points in the Week 10 loss to the New England Patriots. In that game, he hauled in four of five targets for 42 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his scoring potential. Johnson has found the end zone in three of his past four games, demonstrating a knack for big plays. His profile as a deep-ball glider who can also create significant yardage after the catch makes him an appealing choice, especially against a Bills defense that can be exploited by dynamic receivers.

Finally, Christian Watson of the Green Bay Packers, rostered in 26.7% of leagues, provides a boom-or-bust opportunity at the New York Giants. Watson serves as a primary vertical threat for quarterback Jordan Love, averaging an impressive 23.5 yards per catch over his past three games. While his target volume has been relatively low, with four targets in each of those contests, his efficiency and big-play ability are undeniable. Fantasy managers rostering Watson are banking on the explosive nature of his deep-ball throws. The Giants’ defense has struggled against wide receivers this season, ranking seventh in points allowed to the position, which could create favorable matchups for Watson and allow him to convert his limited targets into significant fantasy production.

Running Backs: Pass-Catching Prowess in Uncertain Situations

The running back position offers two pass-catching specialists who could thrive amidst evolving team dynamics. Devin Singletary of the New York Giants, rostered in 33.0% of leagues, is an intriguing option facing the Green Bay Packers. While Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the Giants’ backfield in Week 10 with 14 carries for 71 yards, Singletary still managed to produce 73 total yards on 11 touches, with a significant portion coming from his receiving work (three receptions for 53 yards). The Giants are navigating a period of uncertainty, with interim head coach Mike Kafka taking over and Jameis Winston stepping in at quarterback for the injured Jaxson Dart (concussion). This shift could lead to an increased reliance on check-downs and short passes, which would directly benefit Singletary’s pass-game usage. His role as a receiver makes him particularly valuable in PPR (points per reception) leagues, and his projected target share could be enough to warrant a spot in deeper lineups.

Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans, rostered in 37.3% of leagues, presents another pass-catching backfield option as the Titans host the Houston Texans. Despite the Texans’ defense being a challenging matchup, Spears’ anticipated volume, particularly in the receiving game, makes him a viable consideration. He operates in a shared backfield with Tony Pollard, but Spears has consistently demonstrated his receiving chops, recording at least three receptions in each of his past four games. Furthermore, he has seen seven or more carries in his last two outings, indicating a growing role in the ground game as well. Given the scarcity of reliable running back options in Week 11, Spears’ consistent receiving production and increasing involvement in the run game provide a stable fantasy floor, making him a useful addition.

Tight End: High Volume, Injury Watch

At tight end, Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans, rostered in 47.2% of leagues, stands out, though his status requires close monitoring. Schultz has been listed on the injury report with a shoulder issue and has not practiced this week. However, if he is cleared to play in the Week 11 game against the Tennessee Titans, he possesses fringe TE1 upside. Schultz had a strong performance in the Week 10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, scoring 18.3 fantasy points with quarterback Davis Mills at the helm. He has been a consistent target, registering at least 13 points and six receptions in three of his past four games. This sustained volume and production are difficult to overlook, especially in a position often starved for consistent performers. Managers should closely track his practice participation and official game status leading up to kickoff.

Defense/Special Teams: Opportunistic Cowboys

For defense/special teams, the Dallas Cowboys, rostered in 28.5% of leagues, offer significant upside in their road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys’ defense has been a force in recent weeks, recording 13 or more fantasy points and at least four sacks in two of their past three games. This unit is well-positioned to capitalize on a favorable Week 11 matchup against a Raiders offense that has struggled significantly. Las Vegas ranks 29th in the league, averaging only 15.4 points per game, and has a propensity for turnovers. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith has been particularly susceptible, throwing at least one interception in seven of his nine games this season. The Cowboys’ aggressive defense, known for its strong pass rush and opportunistic secondary, is primed to generate sacks and takeaways against a struggling Raiders offense, making them a top streaming option for Week 11.