It’s a pivotal time in season long leagues now that the playoffs are rapidly approaching. Thanks to injuries and flip-flopping usage rates, the waiver wire has a lot of players to consider this week. Week 11 starts tonight with a matchup between the Packers and Titans, so we’ll make sure you’re all set with your last minute additions before then.
The Broncos are quite frankly a mess on offense. Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams were originally expected to lead the backfield, but a lot has changed since. Williams is out with an injury, and Gordon seems to be in the doghouse for ball security reasons.
All things considered; Latavius Murray is worth a look in deeper leagues because he usually gets touchdown looks. He’s managed double digit fantasy points in three of his five games this season, which could be the case against the Raiders’ rush defense this week.
Overall confidence should be low when it comes to Murray because there’s plenty of questions when it comes to the Broncos’ backfield. Although he didn’t carry the ball much last week, he did record 3 receptions for over 30 yards. Adding a touchdown to the mix would result in a boom week, and this isn’t impossible for Murray.
The biggest concern regarding the Broncos is that there’s no clarity or consistency in their offense. Murray could easily lose a heavy workload to Melvin Gordon who’s rostered in more leagues. Knowing this, you should only pick up Murray if you’re down bad with injuries or bye week absences.
Kadarius Toney - WR - Kansas City Chiefs
Nothing like a guy faking an injury and then taking on an enormous workload once traded. That’s literally what Kadarius Toney did, but we can’t complain from a fantasy perspective. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes spreads the ball out more than anyone, but he seems to like targeting Toney early on.
Toney was targeted five times last week and managed to score a touchdowns. He’s immediately made an impact on a Chiefs team that’s been struggling with receiver injuries. JuJu and Valdes-Scantling both went down last game, which can open even more doors for the young receiver. If either of his counterparts are out next week, it would result in a drastic uptick in Toney’s usage.
Toney embodies a high confidence waiver wire add in week 11. There was hesitancy in previous weeks considering his lack of performance this year, but Kansas City is looking to be a good fit for the wideout. Assuming he’s available, add Kadarius Toney to your roster as a mid-tier WR or flex consideration.
Christian Watson - WR - Green Bay Packers
Three touchdowns and over 100 yards in a game is enough to make anyone look at Christian Watson. Green Bay has struggled all year to replace Davante Adams’ greatness, but it’s definitely been a rough road for Aaron Rodgers. Thankfully, however, it seems like someone’s finally stepped up, and that’s none other than Watson.
Aaron Rodgers has been waiting for someone to make plays all year. He originally had high hopes in Romeo Doubs, but an unfortunate injury put an end to that. Now, he’s left with Robert Tonyan, Allen Lazard, and Christian Watson as his primary targets.
You might look at Watson’s game log and think last game’s performance was a one-time thing. The truth is he was dealing with injuries throughout the first half of the season, and he’s now healthy enough to play. Considering his massive game last week, one can assume that Rodgers has a newfound trust in the rookie.
One of Watson’s three touchdowns last game came on fourth down. Instead of trusting his more experienced receivers, Aaron Rodgers opted to hit Watson for a touchdown. Although we don’t have a lot to work with here, it’s clear that the Packers are keen on Christian Watson’s big play ability.
Baker Mayfield - QB - Carolina Panthers
The Panthers’ QB situation is a disaster, but it appears that Baker Mayfield will take over as the starter this week. Full disclosure, Mayfield has never been a good fantasy quarterback, but injuries and bye weeks might leave you no other options. He’s particularly interesting if you’re in a deep two-QB league, mostly if your starters are out this week.
Mayfield has not been good with the Panthers, relative to his playing time with the Browns. We saw him put up 19 fantasy points in week 1, and so far, that appears to be his ceiling. He’s averaging 12.3 FPPG which isn’t very promising, but the matchup against the Ravens looks good for him.
Baker possesses minimal rushing upside as his main strength is throwing the football. There’s no concrete floor in terms of fantasy production for this reason. Here, we’re looking to take advantage of a Baltimore Ravens’ defense which isn’t strong against the pass.
The structure of your league and team will ultimately help you make a decision on Mayfield. As previously mentioned, he’s worth playing in dwindled two-QB leagues, or as a last resort if you have quarterback struggles.
Washington Commanders D/ST
Defenses get passed around like it’s nobody’s business in fantasy football. Washington’s defense started out the season slow in terms of fantasy scoring. They failed to put up more than 5 fantasy points until the fourth week of the season. Despite this, they’ve seemed to turn things around by having at least 7 fantasy points four times since then.
Defense is the most volatile position in fantasy football, so there’s no guarantees on a week-to-week basis. In week 11 they’ll face a mediocre Texans offense which can result in more fireworks. Last week, the Commanders secured a huge win over the Eagles, mostly due to their defense. If they can keep up the momentum, it should be a good week in Houston.
Washington made the list in part because they get overlooked on a weekly basis. When someone goes to the waiver wire this week, they’ll likely opt for the Raiders, Rams, or Packers if available. Whether a good or bad thing, the Commanders are just one of those teams that gets no love.
Houston’s offense ranks 29th in total yards this season. Washington’s defense, on the other hand, is ranked 10th in total yards allowed. On paper this matchup looks great for the Commanders, and even more so now that they’re riding momentum.
