Week 11 Waiver Wire – NFL Fantasy Football – 2024

DFS Army’s Gthom goes over the waiver wire targets for this week. These waiver wire targets are normally available in 50-percent of ESPN leagues.

Follow Gthom on the cesspool they call X, or Twitter, or whatever it’s called @GarettThomas.

 

QUARTERBACKS

Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) – 46%

After a solid fantasy output in Week 9, Tagovailoa struggled to provide enough points for managers in Week 10 against the Rams. He finished 20-of-28 for 207 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, totaling 8.1 fantasy points.

Week 11 brings another favorable matchup as he faces the Raiders. In their last game, Las Vegas watched Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow toss five touchdowns. Tua is a strong play in Week 11 despite his pending Monday Night performance.

Justin Herbert (LAC) – 48%

Herbert struggled to generate much through the air for fantasy, but he mixed in some rushing attempts that boosted his overall production. He finished his game against the Titans completing 14 of 18 passes for 164 yards and one touchdown, adding nine carries for 32 yards and a rushing touchdown.

At this point in the season, Herbert’s fantasy outlook brightens considerably. From Weeks 11 to 15, he’ll face the Bengals, Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, and Buccaneers. Aside from the Chiefs, each of these defenses allows over 18 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, placing them among the league’s worst in that category.

Russell Wilson (PIT) – 40%

Wilson posted a season-high three touchdowns against the Commanders, completing 14 of 28 passes for 195 yards, while adding three carries for 23 yards on the ground. Wilson continues his resurgence in fantasy, averaging 19.3 fantasy points per game over his last three starts, the 11th-highest mark among quarterbacks during that span.

The former Super Bowl winner will now face the Ravens in Week 10. Baltimore’s secondary has struggled, allowing 26.9 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks over their last five contests and giving up the most passing touchdowns of any defense this season.

Drake Maye (LAR) – 12%

The rookie finished 15 of 25 for 184 yards with one touchdown and one interception, adding four carries for 24 yards against the Bears. Maye continues to showcase his dual-threat capabilities but has cooled off from his back-to-back 20-plus fantasy point performances in Weeks 6 and 7.

Maye just survived a tough stretch of defenses, facing the Jets, Titans, and Bears. He now gets a much easier opponent in the Rams. Before Monday Night Football, the Rams were allowing 16.7 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and had surrendered 15 passing touchdowns—both metrics ranking as the 11th-most this season.

 

RUNNING BACKS

 

Audric Estime (DEN) – 1%

Estime becomes intriguing as a late-season running back addition heading into Week 11. While his 14 carries for 53 yards against a tough Kansas City run defense wasn’t particularly impressive, the real takeaway was the increase in opportunity. This boost came right after his head coach publicly stated that “Estime earned more reps.”

Until recently, Estime hadn’t played more than seven snaps in a single game for Denver this season. He hit a season-high 10% snap share in Week 9, but in Week 10 he led the backfield committee with a 45% share. Starter Javonte Williams saw season lows with just 17 snaps and a 29% snap share, and Jaleel McLaughlin also hit season lows in both snaps and snap participation. This shift indicates Denver is exploring other backfield options, signaling potential dissatisfaction with the current output.

While there’s some downside, Estime’s role appears poised to grow, giving him the potential to emerge as a valuable fantasy RB2 if he performs efficiently in this increased workload.

Trey Benson (ARI) – 16%

While Benson enters Week 11 on BYE, he deserves attention in deeper leagues and among managers looking for a potential high-upside addition. Over his recent two-game stretch, Benson has played just 27.5% of snaps but has managed to score 12.5 and 10.7 PPR points.

In Week 9, Benson recorded eight carries for 37 yards and a touchdown, along with one catch for 18 yards. He followed that with 10 carries for 62 yards and added two receptions for 25 yards in Week 10. Averaging 10 to 12 touches per game makes him FLEX-worthy, and if he manages to carve out a larger role at James Conner’s expense, his upside would only grow.

Arizona’s 49.48% run rate ranks seventh-highest in the league this season, creating ample opportunity in the backfield. Given Conner’s injury history, Benson is a high-upside option with FLEX-level production even in his current role.

Gus Edwards (LAC) – 21%

Freshly activated from injured reserve, Edwards immediately rejoined the running back rotation, finishing with 10 carries for 55 yards.

While adding Edwards may not be thrilling for fantasy managers, he carries touchdown potential each week thanks to his short-yardage role in the Chargers’ offense. He benefits from their high run rate, as they call rushing plays 49.91% of the time, the sixth-highest rate in the NFL. Though Dobbins will continue as the Chargers’ primary back, Edwards has standalone value in his current role.

Tyjae Spears (TEN) – 45%

After missing three weeks, Spears finally returned to the field, and he appeared to be fully healthy. He set a season-high snap percentage at 46%, finishing with seven carries for 47 yards on the ground and three catches for four yards, totaling 8.1 PPR points.

Spears is best suited for 12-team leagues or full PPR formats and can be played in his current role if absolutely necessary. His value would skyrocket if starter Tony Pollard were to miss time with an injury.

Tyler Allgeier (ATL) – 51%

Allgeier isn’t an exciting option right now, but he can offer low-level running back production in a pinch. He also serves as a solid handcuff if Bijan Robinson’s health becomes uncertain.

In Week 10 against the Saints, finished with 11 carries for 59 yards on the ground which was 5.9 fantasy points. This season, he is averaging 42.9 rushing yards on 8.5 carries per game, with a rate of 5.1 yards per carry and 0.2 touchdowns. Additionally, he averages 0.8 receptions and 6.3 receiving yards per game.

Khalil Herbert (CIN) – 14%

After being traded to the Bengals, Khalil Herbert entered a somewhat uncertain role in the backfield rotation. However, in his first game with the team in Week 10, Herbert’s role quickly became more precarious after fumbling his only opportunity, which led to zero carries for the game. Although some speculated Herbert might replicate Zack Moss’ former role—one that saw roughly a 31.5% share of rushing attempts over his last three healthy games—Herbert’s path forward now appears clouded.

The more cautious outlook suggests that Herbert may serve as little more than insurance for Brown, given that Cincinnati’s coaching staff seems focused on adding depth behind their lead rusher. With unproven options like Trayveon Williams and Kendall Milton in the mix, Herbert could still be a high-upside addition in deeper leagues. Fantasy managers should proceed with caution, as Herbert’s current role is uncertain

Cam Akers (MIN) – 16%

Starter Aaron Jones was injured in Week 10 and had to be carted to the locker room for a period. Although he returned toward the end of the game, his injury is worth monitoring, especially given Jones’ lengthy injury history. Any missed time would benefit Akers, who appears to have jumped Ty Chandler on the depth chart.

Akers likely doesn’t offer much value in his current role, but after Jones exited, he finished with 13 carries for 38 yards. Add Akers as an insurance piece, but avoid starting him as long as Jones is healthy.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

 

Cedric Tillman (CLE) – 50%

Tillman has emerged as a potential season-winning addition for fantasy managers. Over the last three games, he’s scored 18 or more PPR points in each, finding the end zone once per contest. His floor appears reliable as well, averaging seven targets per game in this stretch. Notably, this marks the third consecutive week that Tillman has led all Cleveland pass catchers in fantasy points.

This week, Tillman remains the highest-priority waiver pickup as the Browns face the Saints, who recently traded their top pass defender, Marshon Lattimore.

Quentin Johnston (LAC) – 45%

With two touchdowns in as many weeks, Johnston is emerging as a low-floor, high-upside fantasy option. Injuries have limited his season to seven of the Chargers’ ten games, but Johnston still leads Charger receivers in touchdowns. So far, he boasts a 19% touchdown rate, which is the seventh-highest mark in the NFL.

In Week 10, Johnston played a season-high 83% of snaps, though he remains a low-floor play if he doesn’t find the end zone. The Chargers’ team philosophy prioritizes the run when possible, which can limit passing opportunities. Currently, Johnston averages 4.5 targets, 2.9 receptions, and 47 receiving yards per game. His upcoming schedule is juicy for fantasy purposes, with matchups against Cincinnati, Baltimore, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Tampa Bay.

Ricky Pearsall (SF) – 25%

The former Florida Gator finished with four receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown on six targets against Tampa Bay this season. His 17.3 PPR points ranked as the most he has scored this season and the second week in a row where he finished with 11 or more PPR points.

His fantasy floor does not seem reliable based on his usage so far. He carries a 17.4% target share and has averaged 4.5 targets, 3.7 receptions, and 29.5 receiving yards per game. This compounds when you see that the 49ers are extremely efficient through the air but they do not throw the ball a lot. They have the 24th-highest pass rate in the NFL but rank second in yards per pass and second in passing yards per contest.

Pearsall deserves to be picked up this week and can be played in certain spots where the game environment favors the pass or the opposing team is susceptible to fantasy receivers. That remains the case in Week 11 when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (NO) – 1%

Three receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns is not something to ignore from Valdes-Scantling, especially considering their receiver room has seen three members go on injured reserve, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. did not practice a single time leading into Week 10.

Valdes-Scantling seems to be operating in Rasheed Shaheed’s role after seeing his Week 10 usage. This role is critical as it opens up the offense for Derek Carr and company. If Valdes-Scantling can maintain this high-upside role, he is certainly someone to add with hopes he continues this run.

The Saints will face the Browns in Week 11, which lines up nicely for Valdes-Scantling. Over their last four games, the Browns have allowed 37.6 half-PPR points to the position and 8.8 fantasy points above expectation. Both marks are very close to league-worst averages during that time.

DeMario Douglas (NE) – 26%

Douglas is a steady player who should get you 10 or more fantasy points on most occasions. His fantasy production consistently hovers around his “floor,” with few “ceiling” performances. Recently, his output has been limited by health issues and a string of tough matchups. New England just played the Jets, Titans, and Bears—all teams ranking fourth or better in limiting PPR points to opposing wide receivers.

The upcoming schedule could offer a fresh start for this Patriots offense, which looks more capable with Drake Maye at the helm. In Week 11, Douglas will face the Los Angeles Rams, followed by a trip to play the Dolphins and then a home game against the Colts. Respectively, those teams have allowed the eighth-most, 30th-most, and 11th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Xavier Legette (CAR) – 48%

Before Week 10, Legette had been on a roll, scoring eleven or more PPR points in three of four games. Facing the Giants is never easy for fantasy receivers, and Legette felt that with his three receptions for 40 yards on four targets in Week 10.

Legette will enter Week 11 on BYE but return in Week 12 to face a tough Chiefs defense. The rookie receiver leads the NFL in contested catch rate and carries a 12.9% touchdown rate, 16th among all receivers.

Noah Brown (WAS) – 12%

Brown hit a season-high snap percentage against the Steelers with an 89% share, but he didn’t deliver in the fantasy box score, managing just 6.3 PPR points. Now that he’s healthy Brown has solidified his role as the WR2 in this offense. Prior to Week 10, Brown had played only 64% of snaps over his last four games, averaging 9.9 PPR points during that stretch—suggesting this low output against Pittsburgh might just be variance and better days may be ahead.

The Commanders’ offense has been outstanding in 2024, making their secondary pieces valuable for fantasy. They average the third-most points per game at 29, rank fourth in yards per game, sixth in yards per pass, seventh in completion percentage, and 11th in passing yards per game. Washington will face the Eagles in Week 11, followed by the Cowboys and then the Titans.

Adonai Mitchell (IND) – 8% | Alec Pierce – 16%

Michael Pittman’s absence from practice before Week 10 puts his Week 11 availability in doubt, bringing Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce into the spotlight. The main concern with starting Indy receivers against the Jets, however, is that New York allows the fewest PPR points to the position, just 25.3, and has given up the fourth-fewest touchdowns to receivers.

Between the two, Pierce seems to offer higher upside. He is the offense’s most consistent vertical threat and ranks 9th in the NFL in air yards. Pierce has also shown his ceiling on four separate occasions this season. Mitchell has the athleticism to deliver big plays, but the rookie has yet to produce at the NFL level. If Pittman is active, Mitchell is best left on the bench, while Pierce becomes even more volatile.

 

TIGHT ENDS

 

Mike Gesicki (CIN) – 45%

Gesicki left fantasy managers a bit disappointed against the Ravens, finishing with four catches for 30 yards on nine targets despite a season-high snap share of 71%. He now faces a tough Chargers defense, which allows a moderate amount of fantasy points to tight ends. The Chargers are currently giving up an average of 11.3 PPR points to the position, ranking 15th-most.

It’s worth noting that Gesicki’s recent success has coincided with Tee Higgins being inactive. His ceiling performances in Weeks 2 and 9 occurred with Higgins out. Monitoring Higgins’ availability in Week 11 will be crucial to determine Gesicki’s reliability. If Higgins is back, Gesicki projects as a middling TE2 in a challenging matchup.

Pat Freiermuth (PIT) – 46%

Freiermuth scored a touchdown against Washington in Week 10, adding three catches for 17 yards. He and the Steelers now turn to a divisional matchup with the Ravens, who have been allowing fantasy points generously. Over their last five games, Baltimore has given up 13.1 half-PPR points per game to opposing tight ends, ranking in the bottom third of the league. This season the Ravens have allowed the most targets and receptions to tight ends and the third-most yardage.

Coming out of the bye week, Darnell Washington and MyCole Pruitt both ate into Freiermuth’s usual snap share. This adds some risk to Freiermuth, though he projects to have a favorable matchup in Week 11.

Dawson Knox (BUF) – 1%

Knox may benefit from Dalton Kincaid’s potential absence. Kincaid left Week 10’s contest early due to an injury.

Knox is the top streaming option should Kincaid miss. Plus, Knox gets an amazing matchup behind one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in football. The Kansas City Chiefs have allowed 16.8 PPR points to the tight end position, the most in the NFL. KC allows the third-most receptions, fourth-most targets and most yardage allowed to the position.