Footballguys Fantasy Football Show

Episode: Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 11 || Fantasy Football 2025
Date: November 11, 2025
Hosts: Alfredo Brown & Dave Kluge

Overview

This episode dives deep into Week 11 waiver wire targets with a focus on actionable advice for fantasy football managers at this pivotal point in the season. Alfredo and Dave bring their signature blend of sharp analysis, friendly banter, and forward-thinking strategies. Discussion ranges from standout wide receivers and emerging running backs to deep stashes and league-winning strategy, all grounded in recent NFL developments and performance trends.

Main Theme & Purpose

• Purpose: Help listeners identify top waiver wire pickups for Week 11 and explain strategic approaches for differing league scenarios.
• Theme: Maximizing value on waivers during crunch time—balancing immediate needs with playoff upside, and providing clear, actionable ranking tiers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Coaching Changes & Fantasy Impact

• Detroit Lions’ New Staff:
  • Dave and Alfredo discuss the ripple effects of Detroit's off-season coaching departures, praising Dan Campbell's adaptability and culture-setting.
  • Memorable moment: Campbell fist-pumping after a successful play call.
    • Dave: “We just need Dan Campbell calling plays. That’s the secret sauce here, I think.” (01:44)

2. Waiver Wire Priority Rankings & Analysis

Tier 1: The Must-Add

• Alec Pierce (WR, Indianapolis Colts)
  • Why he’s #1: Plug-and-play WR2 with WR1 upside, leading the league in yards per reception, and thriving post-concussion.
  • Alfredo: “He’s not just this one trick pony anymore... He is a starting player every [week].” (07:35)
  • Buys may cause some managers to overlook him—smart players should not.
  • FAB advice varies by league depth: shallow leagues (30–40%); deep leagues (up to 100%).
  • Dave: “He is still a very versatile player... we’re witnessing the breakout right here.” (06:30)
  • [05:06–10:18]

Tier 2: Priority Pickups with Upside

• Luther Burden (WR, Chicago Bears)

  • Rookie with elite efficiency stats, ascending snap count, and potential increase in targets due to DJ Moore’s injury.
  • Alfredo: “No rookie wide receiver has had a higher yards per route run... He can unlock this offense.” (11:13)
  • Caveat: Role depends on snap share and health of starters ahead; best as a speculative, high-upside stash.
  • Dave: “I just don’t see any sort of path where he can be an 80% snapshare player... without injuries ahead of him.” (11:51)
  • [11:08–16:50]

• Cade Otten (TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

  • Stepping into a slot-receiver-like role with massive volume due to injuries. Top-8 fantasy TE rest of season.
  • Dave: “He kind of took the slot role from Sterling Shepard... Cade Otten a huge riser for me... expect 8–12 targets every single game.” (18:14)
  • [18:14–20:42]

Tier 3: Handcuff & Upside Depth

• Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta Falcons)

  • Prime handcuff with proven production (e.g., two TDs in Week 10).
  • Alfredo prefers handcuff stashes if you’re playoff-bound; Dave values relentless "churning" for handcuffs all season.
  • Allgeier is ideal for those willing to stash upside.
  • Dave: “My cryo chamber of handcuff running backs... That’s what I want.” (25:17)
  • [21:52–26:29]

• Christian Watson (WR, Green Bay Packers)

  • High-variance playmaker with increased snaps, especially if Packers WR injuries persist.
  • Alfredo: “Still has this just tremendous big play upside... If Christian Watson is going to be a top two wide receiver... he’s absolutely worth a roster spot.” (26:44)
  • Caution about Jordan Love’s volatility.
  • [26:29–29:54]

Tier 4: RBs with Contingent Upside

• Chris Rodriguez (RB, Washington Commanders)
  • Quietly emerging as a flex option, possible backfield leader if injury abates.
  • Commanders’ easy playoff schedule for RBs makes him especially intriguing.
  • Alfredo: “Top 36 running back in three of his last four games... that’s a guy that you can actually flex each week.” (31:38)
  • Dave: “I don’t even think it’s worth rostering Jacory Croskey-Merritt at this point.” (32:57)
• Devin Singletary (RB, New York Giants)
  • Week-to-week flex with some production floor due to split backfield.
• Sean Tucker (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
  • Outproducing starter Rashad White; merits stash status for playoff stretch.
• [30:30–34:41]

Tier 5: Deep Stashes / High Upside Flyers

• Kyle Williams (WR, New England Patriots)
  • Electrifying playmaker, likely field stretcher with a friendly schedule.
  • Alfredo: “Even on plays where he's not getting the ball... he's open a lot.” (35:47)
  • Dave: “Kyle Williams, he’s not a raw athlete either... already a very polished, crisp route runner.” (37:31)
• Luke Musgrave (TE, Green Bay Packers)
  • Strong route involvement; usage is promising for tight end–needy teams.
• Dontayvion Wicks (WR, Green Bay Packers)
  • More volatile, reliant on injuries; less preferred than Musgrave for consistent value.
• [34:41–39:54]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Alec Pierce:
  • Dave Kluge, 05:59: “He’s been awesome since he has come back... [on pace for] 1,400 yards, 132 targets... This is a guy who... is kind of Jameson Williams–esque, Xavier Worthy–esque, that type of player.”
• On rookie hype vs. opportunity:
  • Alfredo Brown, 15:29: “This is the perfect thing where opportunity meets talent, right? And I’d rather be ahead of that...”
• On Handcuff RB Philosophy:
  • Dave Kluge, 25:17: “When I’m playing fantasy, half of my bench is just... my cryo chamber of handcuff running backs... waiting for upside.”
• On Chasing Trends vs. Talent:
  • Alfredo Brown, 37:56: “Take some swings on these really good rookies... because I’d rather be early than paying a premium for them, or missing the breakout altogether.”
• Season Mindset Reminder:
  • Alfredo Brown, 41:09: “Every single week is going to matter from here on out... you don’t want to be late on these players.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |-------|-----------| | Lions Coaching/Staff Talk | 00:47–04:46 | | Waiver Wire Tier Overview | 05:06–05:20 | | Alec Pierce Deep Dive | 05:20–10:18 | | Luther Burden Analysis | 11:08–16:50 | | Cade Otten’s TE Ascendance | 18:14–20:42 | | Tyler Allgeier, Handcuff Strategy | 21:52–26:29 | | Christian Watson: Big Play Upside | 26:29–29:54 | | Chris Rodriguez, Contingent RBs | 30:30–34:41 | | Deep Stashes: Kyle Williams et al. | 34:41–39:54 | | Playoff/Endgame Roster Strategies | 40:06–42:06 |

Closing & Playoff Strategy Tips

• Now is “crunch time” (40:22). Weeks ahead are critical for both playoff-qualified managers (who should prioritize high-upside handcuffs/rookie stashes) and those fighting for a berth (focus on players who can contribute immediately).
• Don’t rely solely on recent articles/popular advice—sometimes the best pickups are those flying under the radar (e.g., Luther Burden, Kyle Williams).
• Dave recommends: Adjust your strategy based on standing—secure playoff teams can “stash for upside,” while bubble teams may need “points now” options.
  • “So much of it has to do with your situation in your leagues.” (41:09)

Summary Table: Week 11 Waiver Tiers

| Tier | Player | Position/Team | Role/Why Add | Available in | |------|--------|---------------|--------------|--------------| | 1 | Alec Pierce | WR, Colts | Breakout WR2/1, huge upside | ~53% | | 2 | Luther Burden<br>Cade Otten | WR, Bears<br>TE, Buccaneers | Explosive rookie, volume ascending<br>Plug-in TE1 w/ slot role | 85%<br>62% | | 3 | Tyler Allgeier<br>Christian Watson | RB, Falcons<br>WR, Packers | Elite handcuff<br>Big play flex if snaps rise | 64% (Algier) | | 4 | Chris Rodriguez<br>Dev. Singletary<br>Sean Tucker | RB, Washington<br>RB, Giants<br>RB, Buccaneers | Flex-level roles/sneaky playoff upside | Varies | | 5 | Kyle Williams<br>Luke Musgrave<br>Dontayvion Wicks | WR, Patriots<br>TE, Packers<br>WR, Packers | Deep stashes/rookie talent/TE premium | Deep leagues |

Tone & Style

The conversation is upbeat, engaging, and conversational with plenty of playful ribbing:

• Alfredo to Dave (on waiver percentages): “I know you hate this question, but I’m going to keep asking every week, mostly because you hate it...” (08:51)
• They often use personal anecdotes, fantasy “war stories,” and social media moments for extra color.

For Managers Who Haven’t Listened

• This episode is your all-in-one guide for aggressive waiver, stash, and playoff roster moves.
• The hosts contextualize each pick, explaining both the numbers and the narratives, so you’ll be equipped both for Week 11 and the playoff stretch—regardless of whether you need immediate points or future upside.
• Their tiered rankings and candid reasoning will help you avoid common pitfalls, make smart bids, and get ahead of the competition.

Final Takeaway

Don’t get left behind—bold, well-timed moves on the right players could shape your playoff run. Focus on both high-upside talent and strategic handcuffs, and tailor your pickups to your current team outlook.