Fantasy Football Today: Week 11 Start or Sit (11/17 Fantasy Football Podcast) Summary

Release Date: November 17, 2024

Hosts and Analysts:

• Mike (Host)
• Chris (Analyst)

Introduction to Week 11 Lineup Decisions

The episode kicks off with Mike welcoming listeners and diving straight into the crucial lineup decisions for Week 11. Following last week's uncertainties surrounding players like Nico Collins and Tyreek Hill, the team feels more confident about their statuses this week, albeit with some lingering injuries.

Key Player Evaluations

Nico Collins (Dallas Cowboys)

• Status: Cleared to play
• Analysis: Chris emphasizes Collins' importance, stating, “He is a top five wide receiver. I must start him all right.” Given his recent clearance, Collins remains a must-start for most fantasy managers.

CD Lamb (Dallas Cowboys)

• Status: Back issue, expected to play
• Analysis: While concerned about his back, Chris maintains confidence in Lamb, predicting around 15 fantasy points: “I think he's going to probably be somewhere in the 15 fantasy point range.” Backup options like Jalen Tolbert or John Mechi are suggested but with hope that Lamb remains active.

T. Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)

• Status: Expected to play
• Analysis: Mike expresses skepticism about Higgins based on his injury history: “This guy has an absolutely dreadful history.” However, Chris counters by asserting Higgins' value, “He's a top 12 wide receiver. I like the fact that... they’re acting as if he's 100% healthy.” Ultimately, Higgins is recommended as a starter over alternatives like Cedric Tillman.

Player Matchups and Strategic Starts

Juju Smith-Schuster (Chiefs) vs. Amari Cooper (Bills)

• Status: Juju optimistic with cast; Amari dealing with a cast
• Analysis: Chris advises against starting Cooper due to his performance decline and injury: “Cooper is not a top 48 wide receiver for me this week.” Instead, focus is placed on Hopkins as the primary receiver, leaving Juju on the bench until more clarity emerges.

Dawson Knox (Bills)

• Status: Slight ranking increase but uncertain due to Chiefs' defensive struggles against TEs
• Analysis: Chris isn't particularly excited about starting Knox despite a slight ranking boost, citing the unpredictable snap distribution between Hopkins and Juju Smith-Schuster.

Amari Cooper Decision:

• Chris: “Amari Cooper is not a top 48 wide receiver for me this week.” Recommends prioritizing other receivers with higher potential output.

Injury Updates and Impact on Lineups

George Kittle (49ers)

• Status: Unlikely to play due to hamstring injury
• Analysis: Chris provides alternatives, highlighting available tight ends like Will Disley and AJ Barner: “The nice thing is that there are some tight ends who are playing, widely available, who are amongst the guys I would choose anyway...” These options ensure managers can fill TE slots without significant drops in production.

Sam LaPorta and Tank Bigsby

• Status: Out
• Analysis: Mike discusses the implications of these injuries, particularly how they affect player matchups and availability for upcoming weeks.

Listener Questions and Expert Recommendations

Jameson Williams vs. Travis Etienne (Half PPR)

• Recommendation: Chris opts for Etienne over Williams, citing a better floor despite Williams’ higher ceiling: “I'm going to start ETN over Williams.”

Najee Harris vs. Cordarrelle Patterson

• Recommendation: Chris favors Patterson, especially with Jalen Warren’s questionable status: “Najee Harris is a high end flex or a bad number two running back, but it's a terrible matchup and he hasn't been super involved in the passing game, so I still don't want to start him.”

Nick Chubb, Drake London, or Jaden Reed (Half PPR)

• Recommendation: Chris sticks with Drake London: “I am sticking with Drake London.”

Additional Q&A Highlights:

• Tank Dell vs. Quentin Johnston: Chris chooses Dell, though acknowledges the decision is close.
• ETN vs. Jacoby Myers (Half PPR): Chooses Jacoby Myers as a top 12 wide receiver.
• JSN vs. Khalil Shakir (PPR): Recommends Shakir.
• Juwan Jennings vs. Khalil Shakir vs. Others: Leans towards Chase Brown as a reliable number two running back.
• Gasicki vs. Javante Williams: Chris prefers Javante Williams for a higher projected score despite Gasicki’s higher ceiling.

Notable Quote:

Chris: “Jacoby Myers, a top 12 wide receiver.” [10:27]

Future Week Considerations

Mike and Chris discuss the importance of planning ahead, especially with challenging matchups looming in Week 12. Chris advises managers to monitor player statuses and consider pickups like Will Disley and Jatavian Sanders early to secure advantageous positions.

Notable Insight:

Chris: “I'm going to assume he's 100% healthy. I'm starting to.” [04:32]

Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

As the episode concludes, Mike reminds listeners to join the ongoing live stream for further discussions and real-time advice. The team emphasizes staying proactive with lineup adjustments and leveraging available resources to maintain a competitive edge in their fantasy leagues.

Conclusion

This Week 11 episode of Fantasy Football Today provides comprehensive analysis on key player decisions, injury impacts, and strategic lineup adjustments. With expert insights from Chris and the host Mike, fantasy managers are well-equipped to navigate their teams through the complexities of Week 11, ensuring optimal performance and a strong position heading into the subsequent weeks.

Join the next live stream at 11:30 AM Eastern on YouTube.com/fantasyfootballtoday for more expert advice and to have your questions answered in real-time.

For more tips and updates, stay tuned to Fantasy Football Today – the only podcast you'll need to win your league!