After a whirlwind of a trade deadline saw a few pass-catchers shuffled around the league, creating unexpected fantasy power shifts.
Whether it’s a running back freed from a crowded committee or a young receiver stepping into a bigger role, smart fantasy managers will be stashing upside plays before the dust settles.
Juwan Johnson capitalized on the Rashid Shaheed trade, catching all four of his targets for 92 yards and a score.
Chris Olave also capped in another good performance and appears to have a connection with Tyler Shough.
The Week 11 Waiver Wire isn’t just about filling bye-week gaps; it’s about finding potential league-winners before everyone else does.
FANTASY FOOTBALL WEEK 11 WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS
QUARTERBACKS
JOE FLACCO, CINCINNATI BENGALS (33% ROSTERED)
It blows my mind that Flacco is only rostered in 33% of leagues. That number was likely pumped up by the bye week.
Flacco has been a godsend for the suddenly vibrant Bengals offense.
Since becoming the starter in week six, Flacco has averaged 25.5 fantasy points per game.
Most of his value has come on the back of high pass volume (0.39 fantasy points per dropback) while heavily targeting Ja’Marr Chase.
In week 11, the Steelers line up across from Flacco. The black and yellow have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to QBs this season.
There may still be some bumps in the road with a few rough matchups ahead and the lingering spectre of Joe Burrow potentially returning for the fantasy playoffs.
Still, Flacco is a strong streaming QB option.
OTHER QBs TO TARGET: Aaron Rodgers, Steelers (34%), Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (14%), Tyrod Taylor, Jets, if Fields is benched (0.7%), Marcus Mariota, Commanders (11.5%)
RUNNING BACKS
TYJAE SPEARS, TENNESSEE TITANS (37.7%)
He’s only on the waiver wire show because Tony Pollard wasn’t moved at the trade deadline. Pour one out for the Spears truthers!
It’s evident who the better RB is.
Since week 6, Spears has averaged 10.6 ppg (+1.7 FPOE) while Pollard has averaged 8.2 (-2 FPOE).
Spears may have a greater workload after the bye and was already knocking on the door of RB2 production (RB25 since week 6).
I wouldn’t recommend trotting him out into starting lineups unless he gets more work or if you need a bye-week fill-in.
BLAKE CORUM, LOS ANGELES RAMS (8.4%)
For the second-straight week, the Rams trotted out a drive-based rotation at the RB position.
Kyren Williams is still the lead back as far as fantasy is concerned. But Kyren managers need to have Corum on their rosters.
In week 10, Corum carried the ball 13 times for 56 yards, vs. Kyren’s 14 for 73.
Fret not, Kyren managers. His utilization is still king. His worst utilization week (11.9 xFP) came in week 6. The Rams are just pivoting to a more balanced scheme.
The last two games have seen Kyren average 16.7 xFP/g while Corum has averaged 7.5 xFP/g. Corum is just helping the offense continue to churn.
Should Kyren go down to injury, Corum instantly becomes a strong fantasy start and needs to be on rosters ahead of the fantasy playoffs.
Other RBs to TARGET: Sean Tucker, Bucs (3.5%), Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers (36.2%), Devin Singletary, Giants (37%)
WIDE RECEIVERS
LUTHER BURDEN, CHICAGO BEARS (5%)
An injury to DJ Moore could open a window for Burden to become a viable fantasy option.
He took advantage of his opportunity in week 10, catching three passes for 51 yards.
Burden has steadily hovered around 25% of the offensive snaps all season before jumping to nearly 50% in week 10.
In his limited offensive participation, Burden is showing signs of being a star in the making. He just needs a chance.
Burden leads the Bears in fantasy points per route run (0.6), yards per route run (2.8), and is tied with Olamide Zacchaeus in targets per route run (0.25) among receivers with at least 10 targets.
Should Moore miss any time, Burden appears to be the heir apparent for a healthy workload in his stead.
JAYDEN HIGGINS, HOUSTON TEXANS (17.2%)
The rookies are starting to step up, and it seems the Texans’ offense may be starting to find its identity.
It’s hard to read too much into things with CJ Stroud sidelined currently.
But peep the snap shares the last few weeks.
Higgins has been garnering more work since week 5.
Higgins and Jaylin Noel combined for nine receptions and 77 yards while Xavier Hutchinson and Christian Kirk caught one pass for three yards between them.
With Woody Marks seemingly supplanting Nick Chubb (finally!) at the RB position, it seems clear the Texans are trying to develop young players as they look to the future.
Other WR TARGETS: Tez Johnson, Bucs (27.9%), Parker Washington, Jags (16.9%), Christian Watson, Packers (27.8%), Tre Tucker, Raiders (43.6%), Chimere Dike, Titans (14.3%)
TIGHT ENDS
PAT FRIERMUTH, PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6.2%)
The Muth has been the Steelers’ most involved tight end, leading the room in receiving yardage.
In the last four games, he has scored three times across four games, logging at least three catches each week.
With the Cincinnati Bengals ahead, Friermuth is likely the best tight end streamer available in week 12.
He offers at least a non-week crushing floor with his involvement and should be on rosters if there is a need.
Other TE TARGETS: Colston Loveland, Bears (%), Isaiah Likely, Ravens (5.9%), Dalton Schultz, Texans (26.9%)
