As we enter Week 11 of the fantasy football season, the waiver wire is heating up with hidden gems and breakout studs ready to make a difference in your lineup. Injuries, underperforming players, and bye weeks create the perfect storm for fantasy managers to snag season-changing players off the fantasy football Week 11 Waiver Wire.
Let’s dive in.
Others to Consider: Will Levis, Daniel Jones, Trey Benson, Gus Edwards, Khalil Herbert, Cam Akers, Jalen Coker, Demario Douglas, Alec Pierce, Rashod Bateman, Will Dissly, Theo Johnson, Tanner Hudson
Note: Roster % based on Yahoo!
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 11 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
10.) Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE Carolina Panthers (3%)
The rookie out of Texas is slowly coming along but is becoming a fantasy-relevant option for the Panthers over the last few weeks. Ja’Tavion Sanders has played over 80% of snaps in back-to-back games while adding in a score this week at the goal line. Carolina’s tight end depth also took a hit with both Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas shelved with injuries. Sanders has scored 8-plus fantasy points in four of the last five games, while being a reliable and consistent option for Bryce Young.
9.) Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR New Orleans Saints (1%)
What a performance from everyone’s long time favorite fantasy receiver (sarcastic font) Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The receiver has taken the top off for some of the best in Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, but him and Derek Carr quickly created a rapport in New Orleans. The Saints offense has been worn down to the nub with so many injuries at receiver. MVS and his deep-ball skills paired with Carr’s affinity to throw it deep turned in a 3-109-2 stat line in Week 10. New Orleans is so damaged at his spot, that MVS actually carries value moving forward for desperate owners.
8. Adonai Mitchell, WR Indianapolis Colts (6%)
many folks are wondering why it took until Week 10 for Adonai Mitchell to produce for the Colts: pic.twitter.com/jLHaS7lW3f
— Kevin Tompkins (@ktompkinsii) November 11, 2024
With Michael Pittman sidelined, rookie Adonai Mitchell slid into the starting lineup and produced with 6 catches for 71 yards. Mitchell worked well alongside Josh Downs and Alec Pierce and could be looking at additional playing time if Pittman remains sidelined in Indianapolis. The longer Pittman remains sidelined, the longer Mitchell will have fantasy value.
7. Bo Nix, QB Denver Broncos (33%)
Bo Nix since Week 3:
— Lou Scataglia (@LouScatagliaPO) November 11, 2024
64.78% completion
1,584 yards
10 TDs
2 INTs
92.9 rating
230 rushing yards
3 rushing TDs
1 receiving TD
5-3 record#BroncosCountry
The rookie QB in Denver continues to produce in fantasy as Bo Nix put forth another 20 fantasy point outing for the Broncos. Nix seems to be finding his groove as the offense trends in the right direction week after week. The positive note here is Nix was able to put up good fantasy numbers this week despite no rushing production against the Chiefs. Nix’s upcoming schedule is also very favorable down the stretch.
6. Mike Williams, WR Pittsburgh Steelers (18%)
The biggest flyer on this list lies with new Steelers receiver Mike Williams. Only playing nine offensive snaps, Williams managed to catch the game-winning touchdown on Sunday on a 32-yard pass from Russell Wilson. Williams provides the Steelers with another receiver who can get downfield and make big plays. Aside from George Pickens, there was no real threat on the outside that defenses would have to worry about, and Williams’ skill-set matches Wilson’s willingness to throw it deep and put up points.
5. Mike Gesicki, TE Cincinnati Bengals (46%)
The problem all year with tight end Mike Gesicki has been his lack of playing time–barely playing at or over 50% of the snaps in the majority of games this season. This week, Gesicki played 71% of the snaps and drew nine targets on the day, which is great fantasy tight end usage. The only problem was he only caught four balls without a touchdown for a measly 7 fantasy points. Clearly, this offense is extremely pass heavy, and Gesicki has cemented himself as a top-three option (top two when Higgins is out, which is happening more often than not lately).
4. Quentin Johnston, WR Los Angeles Chargers (41%)
The most efficient WRs on a per-target basis per my expected points model:
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) November 11, 2024
1. Quentin Johnston (+65%)
2. A.J. Brown (+61%)
3. Ja'Marr Chase (+51%)
4. DeVonta Smith (46%)
Yes, you read that right.
Chargers WR Quentin Johnston played a season high 83% of the teams snaps, although his involvement in the offense was severely limited. Johnston only had two targets on the day, but he did haul one of them in for a touchdown, saving his fantasy day. Johnston has shown he has a knack for the end zone as one of Justin Herbert’s top options in the passing game.
3. Ricky Pearsall, WR San Francisco 49ers (37%)
Ricky Pearsall is writing a magnificent rookie storyline after finding the end zone just months after being shot in the chest. While Pearsall is getting limited looks and chances in the 49ers offense, he’s showing his potential to make an instant impact and growing chemistry with Brock Purdy. San Francisco’s offense and team usually starts taking off after the bye week, so look for Pearsall to start elevating his performances along with the rest of the team. Despite all the different mouths to feed, he’s talented enough to remain on the field and keep earning more targets.
2. Russell Wilson, QB Pittsburgh Steelers (21%)
The switch over to Russell Wilson for the Steelers offense has paid off, as it’s allowed the team to open up the offense and throw it deep to create more chances. Wilson has responded with 7 touchdowns in three games (one on the ground), and now gets a juicy matchup in Week 11 against the Ravens defense. The addition of Mike Williams also gives Pittsburgh another deep threat option that should bolster Wilson’s weapons moving forward.
1. Audric Estime, RB Denver Broncos (3%)
We’re seeing a changing of the guard in the Broncos’ backfield 👀
— FANTASY UMPIRE (@FantasyUmpire) November 11, 2024
Audric Estime earned…
🔸 2 of the 3 Red Zone carries
🔹 82% of the RB carry share
🔸 64% of the designed runs (2nd-highest rate by a DEN RB this year)
Denver’s RB1 📈📈📈#BroncosCountrypic.twitter.com/4St3U378wX
Broncos coach Sean Payton was riding the hot hand in Week 10 as it was rookie Audric Estime leading Denver’s backfield in snaps and opportunities. Estime was the clear early down and short-yardage back, while season-long starter Javonte Williams was relegated to third downs and obvious passing situations. Williams has struggled mightily on the ground, mostly racking up fantasy points through dump off and his receptions. Should Estime hold onto these lead back duties, he’ll get valuable touches in an offense that’s currently trending in the right direction. The current regime has no real ties to Williams as he likely enters free agency at the end of the season.