Last-Minute Fantasy Football Pickups for Week 11: Flacco, Singletary Shine
As the NFL season progresses, fantasy football managers often find themselves in need of fresh talent due to injuries and bye weeks. With Week 11 approaching, this article highlights several late-week pickup options, especially focusing on players rostered in fewer than 50% of ESPN leagues. Notable names include quarterback Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals and running back Devin Singletary of the New York Giants.
Quarterback Options for Week 11
Joe Flacco is a standout option as the Bengals prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currently rostered in only 39.3% of leagues, Flacco’s recent performance has been impressive. In their earlier encounter this season, he scored 25.98 points by throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. His consistency is evident, with at least 24 points in each of his last three starts and an average of over 43 passing attempts per game.
Another intriguing choice is Marcus Mariota of the Washington Commanders, who is available in 14.7% of leagues. In Week 10, he scored 18.72 points against the Detroit Lions, showcasing his dual-threat capability with both passing and rushing stats. His matchup against a Miami defense that allows 19.5 points per game to opposing quarterbacks could provide further opportunities for scoring.
J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings, rostered in 48.5% of leagues, offers a different dynamic with his ability to run. Although he struggled with efficiency in recent games, his rushing ability and the favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears make him a viable option. McCarthy previously scored 22.22 points in their Week 1 meeting, further solidifying his potential.
Wide Receiver and Running Back Picks
In the wide receiver landscape, Michael Wilson of the Arizona Cardinals stands out, especially with Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined due to an appendectomy. Wilson, with only 8.7% rostered, has averaged 6.1 targets per game this season and will likely see an increase in opportunities. His speed and route-running ability should be prominent against the San Francisco 49ers.
Another notable receiver is Tez Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, available in 35.4% of leagues. Johnson delivered a career-best performance last week, scoring 20.2 points against the New England Patriots. His role has expanded with Chris Godwin Jr. injured, and he has found the end zone in three of the last four games.
For running backs, Devin Singletary is making waves in the Giants’ backfield. Despite uncertainty with interim coach Mike Kafka and a new starting quarterback, Singletary’s involvement in the passing game—evidenced by 73 total yards on 11 touches last week—makes him a worthy addition to deeper leagues. He is currently rostered in 33.0% of leagues.
In a similar vein, Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans, with a 37.3% roster rate, should also be considered. Although facing the Houston Texans may not be ideal, Spears has shown consistent receiving ability with at least three receptions in each of his last four games. His expected volume in a split backfield could pay dividends for fantasy managers.
Tight End and Defense Recommendations
At the tight end position, Dalton Schultz of the Houston Texans is a key name to watch. Although he is currently on the injury report for his shoulder, if he plays against the Titans, he could be a game-changer. Schultz scored 18.3 points last week, and his recent performance has shown he can be a reliable option with significant volume.
Finally, the Dallas Cowboys defense, rostered in 28.5% of leagues, presents a solid streaming option this week against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys’ defense has been productive recently, scoring 13 or more points in two of their last three games. With the Raiders’ struggling offense averaging only 15.4 points per game, this matchup offers a prime opportunity for turnovers and defensive scoring.
In conclusion, fantasy football managers should consider these last-minute pickups as they finalize their lineups for Week 11. With strategic choices like Joe Flacco, Devin Singletary, and others, there are ample opportunities to bolster fantasy rosters as the season approaches its final stretch.