Fantasy Focus – Week 11 Matchups

Another incredible week of results in the NFL and what a great spectacle it was in Munich! The second half of the regular season is underway. This is where teams begin to hit their strides. Unfortunately I called the Bills and Cowboys games wrong from last week, but they were both nail biting games. So who is the Fantasy Focus in Week 11?

Bears (3-7) @ Falcons (4-6)

The Bears featured in one of the more exciting matchups from week 10. As they came agonisingly close in their loss to the Lions. The Falcons are coming off a disappointing loss to the Panthers. If they have any chance of catching Tampa for the NFC South title this is the game they need to make a statement in.

Fantasy Factors

Fields’ stock keeps growing

The penny seems to be starting to drop in Chicago for Fields. He has now had two huge rushing games back to back. He has now run for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns in his last 2 weeks. This mobility is enabling this Bears team to be more competitive. It would be very unlikely for Chicago to move away from what is working so well for them, so one should expect Fields to scramble and Kmet to be the main passing and end zone threat.

Where do we stand on Kyle Pitts?

This Falcons side missed the opportunity last week to remain in the hunt for the NFC South top spot. This game against a struggling but improving Bears team will be their last chance to remain relevant in the NFC South. Pitts has had a disappointing year statistically with only 25 receptions in 9 games and a tick over 300 receiving yards. Maybe it’s the hangover of working with a new quarterback. This Bears defence will be focused on stopping Pitts and his disappointing season will continue.

My Predictions:

1. Falcons to win ugly low scoring game at home
2. C.Patterson with 2 rushing touchdowns
3. Fields held to less 50 scrambling yards

 

Rams (3-6) @ Saints (3-7)

The current Super Bowl champions are a shadow of the team they were back in February. There are a lot of contributing factors to this slump. But after an embarrassing loss to the Cardinals in week 10 the SoFi faithful were heard booing their team off the field. A trip to New Orleans a few years ago would be terrifying for this Rams side but the Saints are there for the taking. As you all know the Saints are close to my heart and performing terribly this campaign. This Saints team is not used to being in this position and this weekend will be tough but there last chance to get their fans a proper reaction.

Fantasy Factors

Kupp to Injured Reserve

With the announcement that Kupp has been placed on the injured reserve for a minimum of 4 weeks. This will be a big concern for all fantasy managers with Kupp shares. Allen Robinson is the obvious beneficiary for the vacant targets. Higbee and Van Jefferson are sleeper options too. The Saints are a boom or bust defence and have given up many big plays this year. 

What is left for the Saints to play for?

Pride is at stake here, and a coach’s head is on the chopping block. This could well be Dennis Allen’s last week with the Saints and the reaction we see from the players will be a direct expression of the players relationship with him. Fans are optimistic Jameis might reclaim the reins for this team. Olave is the fantasy play this week, along with Kamara. But outside of that there is very little optimism in this stuttering team.

My Predictions:

1. Saints profit from “Kupp”less Rams offence in <7 pts win
2. Henderson 100+ rushing yards
3. Olave 100+ receiving yards

 

Lions (3-6) @ Giants (7-2)

Incredible win last week for Dan Campbell’s team. They found a way to dig deep when it was most needed. And this is becoming indicative of this gritty Lions team. The Giants are flying high, and although in week 10 they had an “easier” match up with the Texans. They controlled the majority of that game. The Giants are in an unfamiliar position with a 7-2 record and they need to maintain this momentum and avoid complacency.

Fantasy Factors

Amon-Ra St. Brown the Stand Out in Detroit

ARSB had his best performance last week since week 2, with 119 receiving yards. The Giants are not a high scoring offence and the way to beat them might be to set the pace of the game offensively. Goff will need a fast start, and he has built that connection with ARSB. Jamaal Williams is still managing to find the end zone so he too will have value against the Giants.

Can Saquon keep up this workload?

Saquon had a season high 35 rushing attempts last week in their controlled win against the Texans. Brian Daboll prefers to approach games by controlling possession and game clock. The workhouse back is something that will remain in place and the way Barkley has been performing, he should have another highly productive week. Injury is a risk, but with the race in the NFC East being so competitive this year, the Giants need to maintain momentum. 

My Predictions:

1. Lions go 3 wins in a row with famous road victory over the Giants
2. ARSB back to back 100+ yard receiving, Swift cross for a touchdown too
3. Saquon the only shining light again in loss with 100+ all purpose yards

Nathan – @mountaindrew92