Welcome to Waiver Wire (Week 11). This is where we highlight a few players at each position that we want to add this week. As for ownership percentages, we will be using Sleeper. For our full weekly rankings list, head to The FFU Weekly Rankings Page or try our Sit/Start Tool Powered by Fantasy Pros. As far as the quarterbacks are concerned, we will be referring to 1QB leagues. That’s the only format where quarterbacks are readily available; if you’re in a Superflex league, it’s doubtful any usable quarterbacks are available.
NFL Teams On Bye: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterbacks
Deep League Options (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesDrake Maye, Patriots (25% Rostered)
I still can’t understand why Drake Maye is only rostered in 25% of Sleeper leagues. Do people dislike good quarterback play, or is the lack of offensive weapons scaring everyone off? We’re seeing Drake Maye elevate an offense with some of the NFL’s weakest talent. The offensive line is questionable, and there are few playmakers, yet Maye consistently finds ways to keep the Patriots competitive—something that couldn’t be said for his predecessor, Jacoby Brissett. Additionally, Maye excels on the ground, averaging 9.13 yards per attempt, which leads all qualifying NFL quarterbacks. With matchups against the Rams and Colts in two of the next three weeks, Maye is worth considering for a weekly QB1 performance.
Jameis Winston, CLE (13% Rostered), Derek Carr, NO (17% Rostered), Bryce Young, CAR (10% Rostered), Joe Flacco, IND (18% Rostered).
Medium League Options (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesBo Nix, Broncos (44% Rostered)
We will continue to advocate for Bo Nix until he receives the respect he deserves. Currently, Nix ranks as the QB13 in points per game and is set to face the Atlanta Falcons, who allow the third-most rushing yards per game to quarterbacks. In Week 12, he has an enticing matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who rank 27th in defensive DVOA. Nix is an ideal streaming quarterback to target over the next two weeks, as plenty of fantasy points should be available.
Russell Wilson, PIT (29% Rostered), Trevor Lawrence, Jax (38% Rostered), Taysom Hill, NO (30% Rostered).
Shallow League Options (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJustin Herbert, Chargers (55% Rostered)
No quarterback has performed better than Justin Herbert over the last month of football. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Herbert leads all quarterbacks with a passing grade of 95.0, 13 Big Time Throws, and 0 Turnover-Worthy Plays. He is playing some of the best football of his career, and his fantasy production reflects this; at that time, he was ranked as the QB9. Herbert’s next three matchups are favorable, as he will be facing Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Atlanta, which rank 29th, 31st, and 27th in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. We can expect Herbert and the Chargers offense to generate impressive numbers throughout November.
Geno Smith, SEA (53% Rostered), Matthew Stafford, LAR (57% rostered), Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (67% Rostered), Aaron Rodgers (56% Rostered).
Running Backs
Deep League Options (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesAudric Estime, Broncos (7% Rostered)
It’s Joever: Javonte Williams has been replaced by Audric Estime. During Week 10, Williams was demoted to a third-down role while rookie Estime took charge, leading the Broncos’ running backs in snaps, carries, routes run, and yards gained. It’s uncommon for a Day 3 rookie running back to take over the starting position from an established player without an injury occurring. Estime has secured the early down role in the Broncos’ offense for now. Looking ahead, Estime’s next three opponents—Atlanta, Vegas, and Cleveland—are all ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in rushing Expected Points Added (EPA) and success rate. Although Estime’s performance will depend on game scripts, he will have the early down and goal-line role in the offense.
Trey Benson, ARI (25% rostered), Blake Corum, LAR (23% rostered), Jaylen Wright, MIA (15% Rostered), Cam Akers, MIN (20% Rostered).
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesBraelon Allen, Jets (42% Rostered)
The pathway for this group of running backs is narrow, as they each have a limited role. What sets Allen apart from the others is that the Jets have an outstanding schedule for the remainder of the season. All of the remaining teams are among the bottom 17 in terms of fantasy points allowed to running backs, and five of the following seven teams are outside the top 20 in this category. Although Allen needs an injury to Breece Hall to fully realize his potential, and if that were to happen the favorable schedule ahead for New York could position him as a “League Winner.” We are not just aiming to make the playoffs; we are aiming high to hit the jackpot and win the league.
Ray Davis, BUF (35% Rostered), Tyler Allgeier, ATL (49% Rostered), Tyjae Spears, TEN (45% Rostered), Zach Charbonnet, SEA (49% rostered).
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJaylen Warren, Steelers (53% Rostered)
Not seeing Tyrone Tracy’s name in this category is a sad day. We’re bringing back an old favorite, Jaylen Warren. He split snaps evenly with Najee Harris and secured 16 touches in the game against Washington. Next up is the Baltimore Ravens’ defense, which is tough against the run but serves as a significant pass funnel in the NFL. I anticipate that Warren’s usage as a PPR (points per reception) player will increase in Week 11, as Baltimore ranks in the bottom 10 for receptions and receiving yards allowed to running backs. Expect Warren to set new season highs in both receptions and receiving yards in Week 11.
Jonathon Brooks, CAR (68% Rostered)
Wide Receivers
Deep Leagues (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJalen Coker, Panthers (12% Rostered)
Isn’t it interesting what can happen when you give talented young players a chance to play. A week after showcasing Jonathon Mingo for trade (which the Cowboys picked up), Coker was back on the field for 26 of the Panthers’ 28 passing attempts. Although his statistics may not stand out at first glance, a closer look reveals how crucial Coker is—and will continue to be—to the Panthers’ passing game. He led the team in targets and first-read opportunities, had a 50% air yards share, and ranked among the top five wide receivers in the NFL for weighted opportunity in Week 10.
Elijah Moore, CLE (16% Rostered), Kayshon Boutte, NE (2% Rostered), Noah Brown, WAS (20% rostered), Jermaine Burton, CIN (5% Rostered).
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesChristian Watson, Packers (47% Rostered)
I have been holding onto hope for Christian Watson over the past year, and although that hope has been shaky, he had a strong performance in the two weeks leading up to the bye week. During that time, Watson received 13 targets, more than any other Packers wide receiver. He has had his highs and lows, similar to Jameson Williams, but when Watson plays well, he can be a game-changing player with the potential for big fantasy points. With Jordan Love as his quarterback and the Packers still searching for a standout receiver, Watson has the opportunity to become a significant impact player for the team and fantasy football managers as the season progresses.
DeMario Douglas, NE (42% Rostered), Jalen McMillan, TB (47% Rostered), Quentin Johnston, LAC (28% Rostered), Rashod Bateman, BAL (31% Rostered).
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesCedric Tillman (67% Rostered)
Ok, so let me get this straight. Cedric Tillman is the WR2 from weeks 7-9, and his reward for going on a bye is that he is dropped in leagues? I get that the matchups for Cleveland are not ideal, but we have seen Tillman continue to produce for fantasy regardless of matchups. Sometimes it is as simple as betting a talented player in a good situation, with a gun slinging quarterback. Cedric Tillman checks all three boxes for me, and he should rostered in every league.
Jauan Jennings, SF (68% Rostered), Ricky Pearsall, SF (55% Rostered), Jerry Jeudy, CLE (61% Rostered), Romeo Doubs, GB (66% Rostered).
Tight Ends
Deep Leagues (0-25% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesDawson Knox, Bills (4% Rostered)
The outcome of this situation largely depends on the severity of Dalton Kincaid’s knee injury. However, let’s assume that Kincaid will be out, especially with Buffalo having a bye in Week 12. The team might play it safe and keep Kincaid sidelined for an additional week. In this scenario, Dawson Knox could see a significant increase in his role; he has previously finished as a top 14 tight end in fantasy football during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. With Kincaid out, Knox would have the opportunity to run more routes and become the primary receiving tight end in the Bills’ offense. As we know, having pass catchers connected to Josh Allen can be very beneficial.
Theo Johnson, NYG (6% Rostered), Ja’Tavion Sanders, CAR (10% Rostered), Will Dissly, LAC (4% Rostered), Davis Allen, LAR (0% Rostered).
Medium Leagues (26-50% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesJonnu Smith, Dolphins (36% Rostered)
Jonnu Smith has performed well as the third receiver for the Miami Dolphins this season. He is on track to achieve new career highs in targets, receptions, and yards. While his role as the third option in the passing attack can be somewhat boom or bust, he stands out among tight ends in this range due to his favorable role and the strength of the offense.
Zach Ertz, WAS (45% Rostered),
Shallow Leagues (51-75% Rostered)
Embed from Getty ImagesTaysom Hill, Saints (51% Rostered)
In Week 10, Taysom Hill came very close to scoring a touchdown on an 88-yard play, which would have significantly boosted his performance. Unfortunately, the play was negated due to a holding penalty, and Hill’s performance never fully recovered after that. This inconsistency is not uncommon for Hill, given his role in the Saints’ offense. We are bringing Taysom Hill back for Week 11, as he ran a season-high 63% of routes last week. The team will rely on him again this week, especially with the injuries affecting the offense.
Tucker Kraft, GB (70% Rostered), Hunter Henry, NE (51% Rostered), Cole Kmet, CHI (63% Rostered), Mike Gesicki, CIN (55% Rostered).
Thank you for checking out this week’s Waiver Wire column. For our latest content, visit our YouTube Channel for daily videos.
