Week 11 of the 2024 NFL fantasy football season was packed with unexpected performances, impactful injuries, and plenty of points left on the field. As we sift through the aftermath, let’s recap the biggest winners, losers, and takeaways that could make or break your fantasy playoff hopes.
Fantasy Studs of the Week
Taysom Hill Does It All
The Saints’ jack-of-all-trades had a career day, notching 3 rushing touchdowns and a team-high 10 targets on his way to a monstrous 41.52 fantasy points in PPR formats. With the Saints’ receiving corps depleted, Hill saw heavy usage as a rusher, receiver and even passer in their revamped offense. If this usage holds, Hill could be a league-winner down the stretch.
Motor City Mauling
The Lions dropped a 50-burger on the stunned Jaguars, with nearly every offensive player feasting. Jared Goff tossed 4 TDs, Amon-Ra St. Brown continued his target domination with 11-161-2, and even rookie Jameson Williams broke out with 124 yards and a score. Both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs found the end zone and eclipsed 100 total yards, rewarding patient fantasy managers.
Kupp & Co. Crush Patriots
The Rams passing game got right against a normally stout Patriots defense. Matthew Stafford threw for 4 scores, with Cooper Kupp grabbing 2 of them among his 10 targets. But the real story was rookie Puka Nacua emerging with 7 catches for 123 yards and a TD. Kupp remains an elite WR1, but Nacua is trending up as a flex option with upside.
Rookie Tight Ends Reign Supreme
For the second straight year, a rookie TE is sitting atop the fantasy rankings. The Raiders’ Brock Bowers erupted for a position-best 31.1 PPR points, garnering a whopping 16 targets. Meanwhile, the Lions’ Sam LaPorta continued his red-hot rookie campaign with 2 more scores. Tight end is a wasteland no more, with this dynamic duo offering week-winning upside.
Fantasy Flops
Lamar Flames Out
In a huge divisional clash, Lamar Jackson fell flat with a season-worst 14.88 fantasy points. The Steelers’ fierce pass rush and sticky coverage befuddled the Ravens QB all night. While normally a lock for 20+ points, Jackson showed he’s still prone to the occasional stinker. Still, expect a bounce-back given his sky-high usage rate.
Disappearing Acts
Several normally reliable RBs vanished in Week 11. The Rams’ Kyren Williams couldn’t get going against the Pats with a measly 8.6 PPR points. Colts star Jonathan Taylor also struggled mightily with just 7.0 points on a robust 25 touches. Even the electric Aaron Jones was held to 5.3 points and out-carried by his backup. It just goes to show that no one is matchup-proof in fantasy.
Big Names, Paltry Production
Several pre-season fantasy darlings continued to disappoint. Browns QB DeShaun Watson delivered an uneven performance with just 14.3 points. His former top target Garrett Wilson, now with the Jets, could only muster 5.8 points on 8 targets. For fantasy teams in must-win mode, it might be time to pivot away from these under-performers.
Injuries & Implications
Unfortunately, Week 11 was marred by injuries to several key players. Raiders RBs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) both failed to finish the game, leaving Ameer Abdullah as next man up. Vikings WR Jordan Addison also left late with cramping.
Mattison and White would leave a massive hole in the Vegas backfield if unable to suit up on a short week. Abdullah is the priority pickup, with rookie Dylan Laube waiting in the wings. Addison’s injury seems minor, but it’s worth monitoring ahead of a tasty Week 12 matchup. Sophomore Jalen Nailor is an intriguing stash given his rapport with QB Kellen Mond.
Week 11 Honor Roll
Every week, unheralded players make the leap from anonymity to fantasy relevance. Here are a couple under-the-radar riser and sliders:
Stock Up: CBs Joey Porter Jr. & Denzel Ward
Two shutdown corners had statement games in Week 11. The Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. absolutely blanketed Ravens WR Rashod Bateman, allowing 0 receptions on 4 targets. Meanwhile, the Browns’ Denzel Ward was a menace with a pick, forced fumble and recovery. If your league rewards IDPs, consider buying into these ascending playmakers.
Stock Down: OT DJ Glaze & RB Travis Etienne
On the flip side, a couple highly-drafted youngsters fell flat in Week 11. Raiders OT DJ Glaze got abused in pass-protection, causing problems for QB Gardner Minshew. And Jags RB Travis Etienne was bottled up all day, managing a paltry 33 yards despite ample volume. Growing pains are expected for rookies, but the leash is getting shorter as the fantasy playoffs loom.
Parting Thoughts
Week 11 reminded us that fantasy football is a fickle game. The players we count on most can let us down, while unsung heroes can carry us to victory. As the regular season winds down, stay active on the waiver wire, monitor injury reports, and don’t be afraid to bench slumping stars for ascending options. Every point matters as we march toward the fantasy promised land. Best of luck in Week 12!
