Week 11 waiver wire roundup
An update on the latest injuries and the waiver wire options that could help you get by.
🤕 Pain index
🚫 Nope: Keon Coleman (wrist), Chris Olave (concussion)
🫤 Looking iffy: JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring), Dalton Kincaid (knee), Amari Cooper (wrist), Tee Higgins (quadriceps), Dallas Goedert (ankle), DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Sam LaPorta (shoulder)
🙏 Cautiously optimistic: DK Metcalf (knee), Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring), Aaron Jones (ribs), George Kittle (hamstring)
Note: The above are estimates based on the latest news and injury reports. Always double-check your own rosters before Sunday kickoff!
🎯 Waiver wire targets
Percentages reflect how many teams have that player rostered in Yahoo! Sports fantasy leagues.
Teams on a bye this week: Buccaneers, Cardinals, Giants, Panthers
Quarterback
Russell Wilson (22%) is coming off a very impressive three-touchdown performance and his third-straight victory. It was the first time a Steelers quarterback has thrown for three touchdowns since Ben Roethlisberger in December 2021. He has streaming appeal over the next several weeks, starting in Week 11 against the Ravens, who are yielding an NFL-worst 294.9 passing yards per game and the third-most fantasy points per game to the position.
Other QBs to consider: Justin Herbert (55%), Bo Nix (33%)
Running Back
Audric Estimé (4%) is not a name many bookmarked for fantasy impact in 2024, but the rookie was the preferred option in Week 10 against the Chiefs. “Over the last three quarters, Estime played 24 of a possible 41 snaps, while Williams played nine exclusively in passing situations and McLaughlin played three,” writes PFF.com’s Nathan Jahnke. Overall, Denver’s backfield is now a messy three-man committee, but even if there’s a chance Estimé emerges as the lead back, he needs to be rostered for those thin at the position.
Other RBs to consider: Tyjae Spears (46%), Tyler Allgeier (39%), Trey Benson (18%)
Wide Receiver
After I flagged Ricky Pearsall (38%) last week, he was targeted six times and hauled in four for 73 yards and his first career touchdown, so there might be something here with the first-round NFL draft pick. “With the 49ers offense ranking second in total yards and tied for seventh in points scored per game, Pearsall's role should continue to grow,” writes ESPN’s Eric Moody. … While the Panthers are on a bye this week, Xavier Legette (36%) is someone to look at with Diontae Johnson no longer around. He’s averaged nearly six targets and over 11 fantasy points over the last three games.
Other WRs to consider: Christian Watson (42%), Quentin Johnston (41%), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2%)
Tight End
Bills head coach Sean McDermott was vague on Monday regarding the status of Dalton Kincaid, who left Week 10’s game against the Colts with a knee injury. McDermott did already rule out Keon Coleman, and Amari Cooper’s status is also unknown for Week 11. All of this is to day that Dawson Knox (1%) could be heavily involved against the Chiefs, who just happen to allow the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Other TEs to consider: Mike Gesicki (44%), Taysom Hill (33%)
D/ST
The Packers (31%), who lead the NFL in takeways as a unit, will face a rookie quarterback with a weak offensive line when they play the Bears this week. “In all likelihood, Caleb Williams will be dropping back 40-plus times. It’s an ideal setup for this D/ST to reach double-digit fantasy points,” writes Yahoo! Sports’ Andy Behrens.
Other D/STs to consider: Dolphins (30%), Texans (45%)
Initial Week 11 player rankings
Each week, I’ll add a link to the rankings here once they’re up (typically early AM on Wednesday). Or, bookmark this link and check back there. I’ll also send a “note” out on Substack when they’re ready.