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Danny Boily looks at fantasy football landmines, busts, and avoids for Week 11 of 2024. Given these Week 11 fantasy situations, consider benching these players.
By Week 11, the fantasy football landscape can be everywhere. While managers instinctively start their stars, it’s critical to recognize when a player’s matchup or recent trends spell danger.
The term “landmine” perfectly captures the essence of those players who seem like automatic starts but might blow up your week instead of the opposing defense. This week, we’ll look hard at five players -- one from each key fantasy position -- who might not live up to expectations. If you have viable alternatives, now’s the time to consider them.
Let’s investigate the stats and scenarios to help you avoid a potential disaster.
Editor's Note: Identify fantasy football draft busts, overvalued ADPs, and key players to avoid so you can draft with confidence this season.
Geno Smith, QB, vs. San Francisco 49ers
Geno Smith has been serviceable for fantasy managers this season, averaging 19.7 fantasy points per game, ranking him 22nd among quarterbacks. But Week 11 is not the week to roll the dice on him. Smith faces a San Francisco defense that has rediscovered its dominance, particularly against quarterbacks.
Over the past four weeks, the 49ers have allowed just 10.66 fantasy points per game to the position, the fourth-best mark in the league. They’re also the ninth-ranked overall defense, allowing just 303.7 total yards per game and a stingy 11 passing touchdowns across nine games.
The Seahawks offense has hit a rough patch, averaging just 15 points per game over the last two outings. Smith has struggled with turnovers, throwing 10 interceptions on the season, including several in crucial moments. Facing Nick Bosa and a relentless 49ers pass rush is unlikely to help.
Smith’s 7.5 yards per attempt and 67.1% completion percentage suggest he’s been efficient, but against this defense, his ceiling is capped. With San Francisco clicking on all cylinders, expect Smith’s fantasy output to dip below his season average. Consider streaming a quarterback with a more favorable matchup.
Geno Smith finds the open man in the end zone to put the Rams ahead!pic.twitter.com/KcOkUH1Drp
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) November 4, 2024
James Cook, RB, vs. Kansas City Chiefs
James Cook has been solid for fantasy managers, sitting 18th among running backs with 14.91 fantasy points per game. He’s showcased solid efficiency, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and tallying eight touchdowns on the season. However, a brutal matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs looms in Week 11.
The Chiefs have been a nightmare for running backs, ranking second in fantasy points allowed to the position over the last four weeks. Their run defense ranks third overall, allowing 83.2 rushing yards per game and only five rushing touchdowns all season.
Cook’s limited 47% snap share raises concerns about his workload. Kansas City’s ability to control the clock and its 17.9 points allowed per game make Cook a risky RB2 or flex play this week. If you have a safer option, consider pivoting away from Cook in this matchup.
DJ Moore, WR, vs. Green Bay Packers
DJ Moore’s season has been a roller coaster, and his recent production has fantasy managers nervously gripping the handlebars. He’s averaged just six targets and a paltry 26 yards per game over the last four weeks, a far cry from the WR1 expectations set earlier this season. Unfortunately, his Week 11 matchup against the Green Bay Packers isn’t helping him get back on track.
The Packers defense has been elite against wide receivers lately, ranking third in fantasy points allowed to the position over the past month. While its season-long rank of 15th against the pass might not sound intimidating, it has allowed just 13 passing touchdowns all year and is giving up a modest 207 passing yards per game.
Moore’s 19.9% target share in Chicago’s inconsistent offense is concerning, and his ceiling pushes him toward the bench rather than as a locked-in starter.
Look closely… DJ Moore just walks onto the sideline and sits on the bench during the play pic.twitter.com/ImG6aCb37a
— Six Point Sports (@SixPointSports) November 4, 2024
Mike Gesicki, TE, vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Gesicki has been the ultimate feast-or-famine fantasy option this season. His game logs read like a game of darts thrown blindfolded -- two yards one week and 73 the next. While the tight-end position is notoriously volatile, Gesicki’s Week 11 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers tilts heavily toward the “bust” side of the spectrum.
The Chargers rank 10th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends over the past four weeks and boast the ninth-best pass defense overall, surrendering just 191.6 passing yards per game. They also allow a league-low 13.1 points per game, making touchdowns a rare commodity for opposing offenses.
Gesicki’s 11.8% target share and just four end-zone targets all season highlight his limited involvement in high-leverage situations. Unless you’re desperate at the position, look elsewhere for tight-end production this week.
Josh Downs, WR, vs. New York Jets
Josh Downs has emerged as a reliable flex option with 14.06 fantasy points per game, good for 12th among wide receivers this season. But Week 11 presents a tough challenge against the New York Jets. The Jets rank second in passing yards allowed per game (168.3) and have been the eighth-stingiest defense in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers over the past four weeks.
Downs’ 20.2% target share is solid, but the Colts passing attack is unlikely to find much success against New York’s secondary. Also, who knows what you will get with Anthony Richardson returning from the bench (he was struggling before losing his starting job to Joe Flacco). Downs’ floor is low in this matchup, making him a risky flex play.
Josh Downs Anytime TD bettors look away 🤢 pic.twitter.com/6yk8BZ3tWg
— SportsBettingDime (@SBD) November 10, 2024
Final Thoughts
Fantasy football rewards managers who adapt to weekly circumstances rather than clinging to big names or season-long stats. This week’s landmines -- Geno Smith, James Cook, DJ Moore, Mike Gesicki, and Josh Downs -- might seem like tempting starts based on name recognition and past performance, but the numbers and matchups tell a different story.
By taking a calculated approach and benching these risky plays, you increase your chances of securing a crucial Week 11 win. After all, fantasy championships are won by avoiding mistakes and making the right moves.
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