2023 Fantasy Football Week 11 Preview

The race is on for those fantasy playoff spots. Thanksgiving usually marks the deadline for trades.

If things aren't how you expected them to be at this point, a late trade might make a difference. Late trades come with risk, but as we've seen many times, the player that got you to the top often fails you in the playoffs.

Deciding on that is tough. You've become devoted to that guy, and you're counting on him to pull you to a championship.

If you are looking to lock in a playoff spot this week, start checking out the matchups ahead and circle the danger spots.

For those in the hunt, and especially those desperate for wins, don't play it too tight.

Good luck in Week 11!

Week 10 Starts/Sits and Sleepers disclosure:
1. Best Start: Christian Kirk Worst Start: Tony Pollard Week: 71%
2. Best Sit: Marquise Brown Worst Sit: Joshua Dobbs Week: 47%
3. Best Sleeper: Brandin Cooks Worst Sleeper: Jake Bobo Week: 48%

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Tom Pelissero

Let me know your thoughts on Twitter @RRSSavill.
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2023 Fantasy Football Week 11 Preview

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The Games this Week

Byes: Colts, Falcons, Patriots, Saints

A brief rundown of the games this weekend. Time to set those lineups and watch 'em play.

Early Sunday: Steelers (6-3) at Browns (6-3)

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Once again, the Browns feature in the early game extended blurb. The Browns have a real shot at winning the North with their current 6-3 record, trailing Baltimore by just half a game. Their remaining schedule isn't too challenging, and the key to their success is not only their overall performance but also the impressive contributions from Deshaun Watson. But, he's out for the season, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will take over. Exciting times!

Despite only outscoring opponents in the fourth quarter this season, it proves to be the pivotal one for the Steelers. The Steelers shine in areas that carry more weight: sacks, takeaways, and points allowed. In nearly every triumph, the defense has had to secure the victory late in the game.

The Rivalry

As usual, when these teams clash, fantasy projections can often go topsy-turvy. It's because the game plans often divert from standard methods. It is more of a Myles Garrett versus T.J. Watt battle. Speaking of defense, Minkah Fitzpatrick may miss this game as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury. Kwon Alexander is another major defender on the Steelers trying to heal. There are others on the Steelers banged up.

The Fantasy Take?

The Browns are coming off a great comeback victory over the Ravens that no one saw coming. Again, this rivalry produces games with a number of faces. When these teams meet up, "expect the unexpected" is the watchphrase.

Just the same, start everyone relevant in case the defensive nature we expect goes sideways. We need to take into account the result on Thursday night between the Ravens and Bengals, which may add extra incentives.

Fun Fact: The last time the Browns, at home following a road win, faced the Steelers, who won at home in their previous game, was in 2006, also in Week 11. The Steelers won 24-20, and the Browns were four-point underdogs.

Vegas Line: Browns -1.0
Vegas OU: 33.0
Start: Amari Cooper, WR, Browns
Sit: Dionte Johnson, WR, Steelers
Sleeper: Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns
Pick Poll: Browns 62%
In the Booth: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Injury Update: Pat Freiermuth Q |

Other Early Sunday Games in Brief...

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Giants (2-8) at Commanders (4-6)

The Giants continue to roll along as the worst team for fantasy. We can include Saquon Barkley in this. He is not matchup proof anymore. This hasn't much to do with Saquon, but more with the dried-up offense that surrounds him. Sam Howell frustrates us in fantasy somewhat. Jahan Dotson should be better. Terry McLaurin isn't that bad, but he's not a weekly trust. Ah well, at least this is one matchup in which your Commanders have a chance to shine.
Vegas Line: Commanders -9.0
Vegas OU: 37.0
Start: Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, Giants
Sit: Logan Thomas, TE, Commanders
Sleeper: Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders
Pick Poll: Commanders 94%
In the Booth: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Injury Update: Antonio Gibson Qnep | Jalin Hyatt Qep |

Raiders (5-5) at Dolphins (6-3)

The Raiders, as bad as they look, continue to win games with an interim coach. They have a better record than most other teams in the playoff hunt. This week, reality will start to bite. Antonio Pierce might have pumped the locker room, but hard challenges lie ahead, starting with the Dolphins. The good thing about this game is that it is a confident "start all" for most fantasy players. De'Von Achane may return this week. Check the notes and updates.
Vegas Line: Dolphins -13.5
Vegas OU: 46.5
Start: Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders
Sit: Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins
Sleeper: Aidan O'Connell, QB, Raiders
Pick Poll: Dolphins 96%
In the Booth: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
Injury Update: De’Von Achane Qep | Raheem Mostert Qep | Braxton Berrios Q | Durham Smythe Q | Alec Ingold Q |

Titans (3-6) at Jaguars (6-3)

Just as we thought the Titans were about cash in their big names, Will Levis showed up. Then he stopped showing up. There is a chance Levis can still pull the Titans together, but time is short. Derrick Henry wants respect. Do not be surprised at an upset and for Henry to rock this week. He might even pass for another TD. A heavy scoring alert is in effect. So, a good fantasy game for your point totals, especially with ETN and the King.
Note: Derrick Henry needs 40 more rushing yards to hit 9,000 for his career. Reaching this milestone would make him the eighth player in NFL history with 9,000 yards and 80 touchdowns in their first eight seasons.
Vegas Line: Jaguars -7.0
Vegas OU: 40.0
Start: Will Levis, QB, Titans
Sit: Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars
Sleeper: Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans
Pick Poll: Jaguars 95%
In the Booth: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
Injury Update: None

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Bears (3-7) at Lions (7-2)

We expect Justin Fields back for this game. This could make for another game like we saw when the Lions played the Chargers. The Bears' defense has improved as the season has progressed, but not by a great deal. The Lions have their own defensive weaknesses, so expect the Bears to compete. Start all fantasy relevant players in this one, except temper zee eggs of the RBs of the Bears. The downlist WR Bears are sound flex options, as Fields will brush off the rust.
Vegas Line: Lions -7.5
Vegas OU: 48.0
Start: D.J. Moore, WR, Bears
Sit: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Bears
Sleeper: Darnell Mooney, WR, Bears
Pick Poll: Lions 98%
In the Booth: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
Injury Update: D'Onta Foreman A | Khalil Herbert A |

Chargers (4-5) at Packers (3-6)

Two teams with losing records who are likely to play like they have winning records. A few weeks ago, Packers' fans wanted Sean Clifford in. Those demands probably remain. Fans expect the crown of Favre and Rodgers to remain in good hands. Chants of "We Want Clifford!" might occur if things get bad. Could Love get benched? During the game, it would be unlikely—too controversial. However, this is a pivotal moment in his career. Start all fantasy normal players.
Vegas Line: Chargers -3.0
Vegas OU: 44.0
Start: Jordan Love, QB, Packers
Sit: Christian Watson, WR, Packers
Sleeper: Derius Davis, WR, Chargers
Pick Poll: Chargers 87%
In the Booth: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Injury Update: Keenan Allen Qep | Gerald Everett O | Donald Parham Jr. Q | Jalen Guyton O |

Cowboys (6-3) at Panthers (1-8)

Will Dak Prescott get another fourth quarter with the baseball cap? This time they are on the road, and it's easy for them to sleep on this one. They underestimated weak opponents earlier in the season and were upset by the Cardinals. This won't be an early knockout, but the fans will head for the exits early. The Cowboys' defense is legit. Sit your Panthers and start your Cowboys smoothly.
Vegas Line: Cowboys -10.5
Vegas OU: 42.0
Start: Tony Pollard, RB, Cowboys
Sit: Adam Thielen, WR, Panthers
Sleeper: Brandin Cooks, WR, Cowboys
Pick Poll: Cowboys 98%
In the Booth: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen
Injury Update: None

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Cardinals (2-8) at Texans (5-4)

I kind of missed those Kyler Murray scrambles. He looked good last week, and his efforts elevated the entire team. Night and day. Now the Cardinals can compete on another level and win games—even this one. But the bigger story from last week was C.J. Stroud. This kid is just 21 years old and is throwing old rookie records into the dumpster. He's thrown for 826 yards in his last two games, six touchdowns, and one pick. Start him every week.
Vegas Line: Texans -5.0
Vegas OU: 48.0
Start: Marquise Brown, WR, Cardinals
Sit: Trey McBride, TE, Cardinals
Sleeper: Robert Woods, WR, Texans
Pick Poll: Texans 91%
In the Booth: Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely
Injury Update: Nico Collins A | Dameon Pierce O | Noah Brown Qnep | Michael Wilson Qnep |

Late Sunday: Jets (4-5) at Bills (5-5)

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What has happened to the Bills? Despite Josh Allen's usual heroics, early missed opportunities and leaving too much time on the clock proved costly for Buffalo last Monday. Let's be real. Sean McVay let Allen score with a bit of disguise. You could see him on the sidelines, telling Russell Wilson to go out and win it. Which, for the most part, Russ did. It was unusual for Sean McDermott to be tricked by such strategies, but he was.
Although the absence of advancement on the offensive front is discouraging, Zach Wilson has demonstrated growth. Despite grappling with challenges in the red zone and committing late-game errors, he is decreasing sacks, curbing turnovers, incorporating some mobility, and gaining confidence in executing impactful throws.

Bills Fire OC Ken Dorsey

The now-former offensive coordinator, Ken Dorsey, got his walking papers after the loss to the Broncos. The hook for Dorsey was coming out weeks ago. The Bills are not where they ought to be in the standings. They are in a position where scrambling for the playoffs, never mind the division, is their first objective.

Joe Brady takes over as OC temporarily, at least, and the hope is he can stop the rot. The real problems lie with Josh Allen, and to put the former quarterback coach in charge of the entire offense now seems somewhat counterproductive.

Game Aspects

This is one of those sneaky potential DST battles. It's the biggest box to tick for this game. I would also forecast a quarterback struggle, partly from metrics but also from intuition. It's a divisional game, and the boys will want to attack through the air.

Stick with the fantasy norms in this one and avoid any sleepers except the one mentioned below.

Fun Fact: The Bills have won their last two following a loss at home versus the visiting Jets.

Vegas Line: Bills -7.0
Vegas OU: 39.5
Start: Breece Hall, RB, Jets
Sit: James Cook, RB, Bills
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin, TE, Jets
Pick Poll: Bills 87%
In the Booth: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Injury Update: Garrett Wilson A | Trent Sherfield Q |

Other Late Games in Brief...

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Buccaneers (4-5) at Forty-Niners (6-3)

The Forty-Niners halted a very concerning losing streak against the Jaguars last week, but, as usual, convincing the fans and analysts often takes more time. So, the Buccaneers come to town with full post-season hopes on the table. The games still mean something. Baker Mayfield continues to mark his time well, and your Buccaneer fantasy guys, with a few exceptions, have fared well. You can start your fantasy Bucs just as confidently as your 49ers in this game.
Vegas Line: Forty-Niners -11.5
Vegas OU: 41.5
Start: Brock Purdy, QB, Forty-Niners
Sit: Cade Otton, TE, Buccaneers
Sleeper: Jauan Jennings, WR, Forty-Niners
Pick Poll: Forty-Niners 97%
In the Booth: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
Injury Update: None

Seahawks (6-3) at Rams (3-6)

As you'd normally expect from these two, physical intensity rules. For some reason, the Rams always save their best efforts for the Seahawks. Cooper Kupp's uncomfortable fantasy quietness over the past three weeks following their bye is ripe for explosion. Start him with confidence this week. Same for DK Metcalf, who is waking up. This is a boom-up or bust-down game. The odds favor a bonanza of points all around.
Vegas Line: Seahawks -1.0
Vegas OU: 46.5
Start: DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks
Sit: Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams
Sleeper: Tutu Atwell, WR, Rams
Pick Poll: Seahawks 81%
In the Booth: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan
Injury Update: Tyler Lockett Qgtd/ep | Colby Parkinson Q |

Feature Games

Sunday Night: Vikings (6-4) at Broncos (4-5)

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Their current season has unfolded quite differently from the 2022 campaign, yet the Vikings find themselves back in contention. Without a doubt, it's evident that Joshua Dobbs is a fantasy-relevant player in this league. Following their recent victory over New Orleans, they now have a five-game winning streak going, the longest active streak in the league.

Russell Wilson hasn't always had it easy in Denver, and he hasn't always made it easy for himself. However, Monday's performance was remarkable, as the 34-year-old made crucial throws during the decisive moments, including some clever flip passes under pressure, effectively challenging the Bills' defense on the two late-scoring drives in the Broncos' win.

Both Defenses are Tough

The Minnesota defense has been noteworthy, allowing an average of 297.9 yards per game since Week 4 and forcing 11 turnovers in the last five matchups, including two pivotal ones against the Saints in the final three-plus minutes last week.

Denver's defense has had its own positives in recent games. They held the Chiefs to field goals in their victory and have had five forced fumbles in their last three games. This is the most of any team in the past four weeks. The Miami loss that pummeled them for 70 points in Week 3 had a major effect on this defense for the better.

Quarterbacks Are Key

One good thing about Sunday Night Football is that there is always that undercurrent of "the show." The players know it. So the show takes on a different character from other games. However, it's best to stick with the regulars rather than digging around for good sleepers. They'll be few.

Joshua Dobbs and Russell Wilson are the best starts. It sounds unusual, but a passing frenzy could break out in this game. One warning: the Vikings blitz nearly 50% of the time, so Russell Wilson will be running to extend plays like it's 2012.

The Broncos have the third fewest sacks in 2023. So the Vikings will pass and the Broncos will run, mostly.

Sunday Night Fun

It's a good game we have here. It should be good for fantasy, too. Start all, especially your Broncos running backs. Your Vikings should be all good.

Fun Fact: The Vikings last visit to Mile High was in 2015. There is a strange scenario where a team coming to Denver on a five-game win streak, and the Broncos winning their last game on the road, have defeated that team eight of the last nine times (including the last five) since 1994.

Vegas Line: Broncos -2.5
Vegas OU: 42.5
Start: Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos
Sit: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos
Sleeper: K.J. Osborn, WR, Vikings
Pick Poll: Vikings 71%
In the Booth: Mike Tirico, Chris Collinsworth
Injury Update: Justin Jefferson O | T.J. Hockenson Q | Alexander Mattison A |

Monday Night Football

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Eagles (8-1) at Chiefs (7-2)

Just in time to close Week 11 and open the holiday season. The Kelce brothers together on Monday Night Football could not make it more special. It's just short of Thanksgiving, but it is nonetheless reminiscent of the Harbaughs several years ago.

You might expect this game to have a high playoff importance factor, because of the top seedings both these teams possess if the season ended today. Nevertheless, this matchup is currently the best odds for Super Bowl LVIII and a rematch of Super Bowl LVII. What a game! There's no reason to state the obvious of who you should start in this game. The best start/sit and sleeper are below.

Bonus Blurb: You can find many other sleepers to consider. My suggestion to sit Toney could turn out badly. I have to fill that slot with someone. Overall, you can consider many dart throws. Check the depth charts of these teams and you can choose a receiver to "danger zone" flex. Preference of selection is better from the Eagles than the Chiefs. Many fantasy wins and losses will be decided on the outcome of this one game. Maybe you'll get good luck by reading the Blurbview!!
Vegas Line: Chiefs -2.5
Vegas OU: 45.5
Start: DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles
Sit: Kadarius Toney, WR, Chiefs
Sleeper: Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs
Pick Poll: Chiefs 52%
In the Booth: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Injury Update: Dallas Goedert Qnep |

In the Booth on Sunday

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Joe Buck Troy Aikman

Sunday Games

CBS Early

Steelers at Browns: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Raiders at Dolphins: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
Titans at Jaguars: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
Cardinals at Texans: Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely

FOX Early

Cowboys at Panthers: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen
Chargers at Packers: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Bears at Lions: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
Giants at Commanders: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

CBS Late

Jets at Bills: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Seahawks at Rams: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan

FOX Late

Buccaneers at 49ers: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston

Check out the rest of our 2023 Fantasy Football content from our great team of writers.