While it can be difficult to get excited about the crop of streamers on some weeks, Week 11 has been one of the best I can recall this season in terms of solid short-term options combined with potential game-changers for the playoffs. Part of that can be contributed to players returning from extended injury absences, where the rostered percentage has not yet adjusted to the upside they possess if things break right. The top of the RB and WR streamer rankings includes multiple players that I feel are worth rostering in 10-12 team leagues, so if you need reinforcements, you are looking at a great time. We are getting down to crunch time; let’s go earn a victory in Week 11.
Week 11 Byes: Buccaneers, Dolphins, Jaguars, Seahawks
Article Overview/ How to Use:
- Analysis: Highlight a variety of RBs, WRs, and TEs (< 65% rostered on ESPN and/or Yahoo) who I feel could produce fantasy value, either that specific week as a replacement in your lineup or as a bench/ stash option.
- Ranking RBs, WRs, and TEs (< 65% rostered) in order. Please note that the players who are highlighted in the article are not always my top-ranked streamers. These rankings & notes could be useful for teams in deeper leagues or as a means to fill out your “Watch List”.
- List of Impact Backups or players who would gain significant fantasy value if the starter was inactive. These names would make excellent stash candidates, but likely not worthwhile streamers due to lack of usage as the backup.
- Although base rankings tend to skew toward 12-team, half-PPR leagues, I will provide clarifications if a player is best used in a specific scenario or league type.
- Recap the performances of the previous week’s highlighted players.
* Any players marked with an asterisk below have been featured in previous articles this season. If anyone discussed below is at risk of not playing or is relegated to a bench role late in the week, I will do my best to keep you all updated on Twitter (@BrandonMillerFB). All players below are under 65%-rostered as of 11/16/22.
Running Back
Elijah Mitchell (RB, San Francisco 49ers)
Mitchell returned from an extended absence last week to a change of scenery compared to the last time he was on the field for the Niners. Despite sharing touches with trade acquisition Christian McCaffrey instead of Jeff Wilson Jr (now in Miami), he had a solid performance with 18 touches for 89 yards along with two targets (one catch for -1 yard). With McCaffrey (19 touches) involved to a similar degree, albeit more in the passing game, the 49ers once again look poised to rely on a two-headed backfield to set the table for their offense. While I am not sure you can rely on this level of volume every week, I think 12+ touches is a realistic possibility as the 49ers aim to keep McCaffrey fresh and healthy for the full season. Mitchell is a mid-range RB3/Flex for me in Week 11 against the Cardinals.
Darrell Henderson (RB, Los Angeles Rams)
The Rams’ offense has not found its footing in 2022 and continues to deal with injuries (most recently superstar WR Cooper Kupp), so this is not the most exciting supporting cast to chase for fantasy production. Henderson will also split touches with Cam Akers and Kyren Wiliams, who made his debut last week for Los Angeles’ backfield. Still, Henderson represents a steadying veteran presence on an offense that will be relying on many new faces to carry the load. He should approach double-digit touches most weeks and will look to find the end zone for the second-straight game. He is a RB3/RB4 for use in deeper leagues.
RB Streamers (ranked): Brian Robinson Jr* (60% ESPN, 68% Yahoo), Isiah Pacheco*, Elijah Mitchell* (57% ESPN, 64% Yahoo), Darrell Henderson Jr* (54% ESPN, 66% Yahoo), Melvin Gordon III (63% ESPN, 71% Yahoo), Latavius Murray*, Jerick McKinnon*, Gus Edwards (40% ESPN, 62% Yahoo), Kenyan Drake* (if no Gus Edwards), Dontrell Hilliard*, Jaylen Warren*, Tyler Allgeier*, Damien Harris (62% ESPN, 62% Yahoo), James Cook, Alexander Mattison, Isaiah Spiller, Rex Burkhead, Malik Davis, Chuba Hubbard*, Kenneth Gainwell, Cam Akers, Matt Breida, Kyren Williams, Samaje Perine, Caleb Huntley, Chase Edmonds, Eno Benjamin, Nyheim Hines, Brandon Bolden, Rachaad White* (bye – stash; 32% ESPN, 58% Yahoo), JaMycal Hasty (bye), DeeJay Dallas (bye).
Wide Receiver
Treylon Burks (WR, Tennessee Titans)
The Titans are not known for their air attack (second-fewest passing yards per game), but another way to look at it is that Burks has a legitimate chance to ascend as a regular option if he can find his form in the second half. He drew six targets (three catches for 24 yards) despite a limited role in his return from IR last week; a number that should continue trending up as he gets reacclimated. It is not uncommon for rookie WRs’ usage and production to increase in the stretch run and Burks has the physical tools to be an impact player with more opportunities. He is more of a stash than a start for now, but certainly worth speculating on if you have the bench space and/or looking ahead to the playoffs.
Kadarius Toney (WR, Kansas City Chiefs)
At 54%-rostered in ESPN leagues and 65% Yahoo (as of 11/16), Toney could be seeing his final week of eligibility for this article if he produces against the Chargers on national TV Sunday night. After injuries prevented him from seeing the field early in the season, he remained inactive and was never able to get going under the new Giants coaching staff. He will now get the opportunity to showcase his skills as a member of the Chiefs’ top-ranked passing offense (nearly 314 yards per game).
Andy Reid has a penchant for using players of his ability in a variety of ways, as evidenced in Toney’s Kansas City debut where he saw five targets (four catches for 57 yards, one TD) along with two carries for 33 yards. An increase in usage could be on tap this week with improved health and the potential absence of both Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster. I am optimistic about Toney as a high-end WR3/ Flex this week.
WR Streamers (ranked): Kadarius Toney (54% ESPN, 65% Yahoo), George Pickens*, Christian Watson (41% ESPN, 66% Yahoo), Devin Duvernay*, Donovan Peoples-Jones*, DeAndre Carter, Nico Collins, Parris Campbell, Darius Slayton, Drake London (76% ESPN, 63% Yahoo), Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Van Jefferson, Treylon Burks*, Wan’Dale Robinson*, Jarvis Landry, Michael Gallup*, Terrace Marshall*, Mack Hollins, Chase Claypool (stash – 69% ESPN, 65% Yahoo), Corey Davis, Jahan Dotson, Ben Skowronek, Jarvis Landry, Isaiah McKenzie*, Olamide Zaccheaus, Robert Woods*, Noah Brown*, K.J. Osborn*, Odell Beckham (long term/playoff stash), Zay Jones* (bye).
Tight End
Foster Moreau (TE, Las Vegas Raiders)
With Darren Waller (hamstring) and Hunter Renfrow (oblique) now on IR for the next four weeks, at minimum, Moreau is set to continue seeing regular usage in the passing game as the Raiders’ go-to option at tight end. Moreau has five-plus targets in three of the last five games, including two red zone looks last week. The Broncos’ defense has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing WRs and will undoubtedly put a heavy emphasis on moving coverage to Davante Adams, which could open up even more opportunities than usual.
TE Streamers (ranked): Cole Kmet (58% ESPN, 83% Yahoo), Foster Moreau, Hayden Hurst*, Greg Dulcich*, Isaiah Likely (if no Andrews), Dawson Knox (64% ESPN, 71% Yahoo), Juwan Johnson, Trey McBride, Tyler Conklin*, Taysom Hill*, Robert Tonyan*, Logan Thomas, Cade Otton (bye), Evan Engram (bye), Mike Gesicki* (bye).
Impact Backups/ Injury Stashes
Although this article’s primary focus is to rank and discuss RB/WR/TEs who are fantasy-relevant and 65%-rostered or less, I also believe it is extremely important to plan ahead by stocking your roster with contingency options if/when adversity strikes. Not many things in the fantasy sports universe are worse than having a successful regular season undone by gut-wrenching injury luck. That said, below is my list of Top Impact Backups and Injury Stashes, in order, regardless of position.
Top Impact Backups: Alexander Mattison, Rachaad White, Jaylen Warren*, Damien Harris (62% ESPN, 62% Yahoo), Samaje Perine*, Chuba Hubbard (likely “1B” to D’Onta Foreman “1A”), Trestan Ebner, Dontrell Hilliard*, Keaontay Ingram, JaMycal Hasty, Kyren Williams, Eno Benjamin, Nyheim Hines*, Chase Edmonds, Matt Breida.
Graduated (add if available): D’Onta Foreman*, Jeff Wilson Jr*, Michael Carter, Isiah Pacheco*, Jerick McKinnon*
Top Injury Stashes: Gus Edwards (expected back after Week 10 bye), Kyren Williams, Jameson Williams (a talented rookie who will now have less competition for targets in Detroit).
Looking Back
Accountability is everything, so here is a quick look back at last week’s recommendations
Rachaad White (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers): With Leonard Fournette exiting early due to a hip pointer, White showcased the skills that have earned him a spot near the top of the impact backups list for most of this season. He racked up 22 carries for 105 yards and should be rostered whether Fournette returns this week or not.
Jaylen Warren* (RB, Pittsburgh Steelers): Warren likewise had his best game of the season, carrying nine times for 37 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and catching three passes for 40 yards. He is a priority backup to roster behind Najee Harris and could see more standalone value if this usage sustains.
Terrace Marshall (WR, Carolina Panthers): Marshall caught just one of two targets last Thursday night, but made it count with a 43-yard gain. He is a deep-league play if you are desperate at WR, otherwise, he can be dropped.
Donovan Peoples-Jones (WR, Cleveland Browns): Peoples-Jones led all Browns receivers with five catches for 99 yards and continues a string of solid performances. He should be picked up in 12-teamers, particularly if he can continue this hot streak once Deshaun Watson returns in a few weeks.
Greg Dulcich (TE, Denver Broncos): Dulcich did not see much work last week, catching just one of four targets for 11 yards. Better days are ahead, but he has yet to establish himself as a reliable weekly option until further notice. He is a solid option if you need to replace an injured TE, however.
Make sure to check out our weekly priority waiver wire adds article and waiver wire podcast for more insights on who you should be submitting claims for heading into each Wednesday; it is a great way to get a head start on acquiring players often discussed in this article. Good luck in Week 11!
(Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire)