Every week, we bring you our advice on which signal-callers have the potential to help your fantasy teams win. We will consider recent performances, the quarterbacks’ supporting cast, and the matchup and add some smart statistical insights to offer you the clearest picture of which QB to pick up from your waiver wire.
Week 11 sees four teams on bye and some reliable fantasy options on the shelf, with Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers), Kyler Murray (Cardinals), Daniel Jones (Giants), and Bryce Young (Panthers) missing out.
We will only consider quarterbacks who are less than 70% rostered in Yahoo! leagues to give you an honest chance at picking one up for your team’s matchup. So, with that caveat, let’s look at the lay of the land for Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season and highlight our recommendations.
| QB | Matchup | % Rostered (Yahoo!) | Projected Fantasy Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert, Chargers | LAC vs. CIN | 55% | 16.65 |
| Russell Wilson, Steeler | PIT vs. BAL | 22% | 15.23 |
| Geno Smith, Seahawks | SEA at SF | 54% | 15.32 |
“The best version of Justin we’ve seen”
Justin Herbert, Chargers vs. Bengals
After the word was put out on the street that the Los Angeles Chargers would be a “run heavy” team in 2024, fantasy managers acted accordingly, pitching this next to a couple of frustrating fantasy seasons to eliminate Justin Herbert from the Top 12 quarterbacks in drafts. That looked just-ified (sorry!) through the first month or so of the season as the Chargers quarterback failed to top 14.76 fantasy points (in Yahoo!) in any of his first six games. However, a resurgent and healthy Herbert has grown into the new offense and posted an average of 21.1 fantasy points over the past three games, throwing for 5 touchdowns and adding a rushing score also.
A potential shootout against another bright young thing at the quarterback position in Joe Burrow will be his sternest test of late, but with the Bengals defense giving up the 6th most fantasy points to QBs this season, this battle should play out through the air, and not on the ground. Herbert has a high ceiling.
herbo put ‘em on skates pic.twitter.com/l3Ltg3iYrI
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 11, 2024
“Let Russ Cook & Clean Up”
Russell Wilson, Steelers vs. Ravens
Admit it, we had all given up on Russell Wilson as a real-life quarterback option, never mind a fantasy darling! After a disappointing end in Seattle and a disastrous cameo in Denver, Wilson’s Pittsburgh era got off to an inauspicious start as a niggling injury paved the way for Justin Fields to guide the team to a winning start to the season. We were all fools as Mike Tomlin’s faith in the veteran never wavered, and since installing him as the starting quarterback, Wilson has delivered match-winning performances in three straight contests. His three passing touchdowns last weekend to seal a comeback win over the Commanders flashed the Wilson of old, and the magic may have returned for a final flurry.
The Ravens’ defense is a mess, particularly in the secondary, and they are giving up the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The clear weak spot to attack for the Steelers is deep downfield, where Wilson likes to throw and where George Pickens continues his rise to WR1 stardom. Indeed, Wilson connected with three different receivers for scores, including the recently acquired Mike Williams, who could be the best bit of business anyone does from the trade deadline.
FIRST TD AS A STEELER!!!!!!!!
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/qaxvtHNvcM
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 10, 2024
“Post-Bye Get-Right Blues”
Geno Smith, Seahawks at 49ers
After a 3-0 start with Geno Smith leading an explosive passing offense, the Seahawks have lost five of their last six contests, and the new scheme under Ryan Grubb has shown vulnerabilities in its effectiveness at the NFL level. Smith must also take the blame, as his performances have been below the level he has set for himself over the past couple of years as he has loveably reclaimed his reputation as a fantasy starter. The absence of DK Metcalf over the past two games has been a shot in the heart to Smith, and the big play ability downfield has taken a hit. He should return, and with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker the Seahawks have an exciting threat on the ground and through the air.
A must-win divisional game on the road against the 49ers is the perfect “get-right game” – can Geno answer? We think so!
Geno Smith, elite QB! pic.twitter.com/YRceCZAcqt
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 21, 2024
Don’t hesitate to give me your thoughts and hit me up for questions on X at @benjaminhaller1.
Feature image by Michael Packard (@CollectingPack on Twitter) / Photography by Jevone Moore / Icon Sportswire