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Gage Bridgford (@GbridgfordNFL) identifies quarterbacks to watch in Week 11 based on the opposing pass rush defense. These QBs could be players to fade and avoid or to start and stream in fantasy football leagues.
It's Week 11, and we have to get wins. The playoffs are just around the corner, and we can't afford to take losses. You likely have just a week or two before the fantasy playoffs, and having the right quarterback can make all the difference.
We have several great matchups coming up this week while others have matchups that make you want to look in the other direction. Let's go ahead and make sure you're starting the best guys to get you in the playoffs this week.
With four teams on a bye this week, you're likely going to be without two or three, and maybe even four starting quarterbacks if you're in two QB or superflex leagues. Unlike last week, it should be a little easier to find a suitable replacement.
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Look Away Before It Gets Ugly
Brandon Allen @ Minnesota Vikings
Denver Broncos quarterback Brandon Allen is coming off the bye, but he gets an awful matchup on the road this week. He's heading to take on the Minnesota Vikings, who have been on a roll defensively. They're currently ranked sixth in the NFL in sacks, and they're fourth in the NFL in adjusted sack rate. With Allen being young and inexperienced, the Vikings will force him to throw by shutting down the run, and it's going to give them more chances to get home.
For Denver, they've struggled to protect their quarterbacks this season. They've given up 30 sacks on the year, which is the seventh-most in the NFL. This Vikings defensive unit is one of the best that they've come across this year. With the Vikings needing to win and playing at home, Allen should only be used as an absolute last resort.
Kyler Murray @ San Francisco 49ers
I know that a couple of weeks ago Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray had a pretty good game against the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 11, he's going to be playing against a team that needs to win to maintain their lead in the division, and their front is still one of the best in football. They've got 35 sacks, which is just one less than the league-leading Carolina Panthers. They sacked Murray three times two weeks ago, and I'd expect them to add a few more.
For Murray, his offensive line hasn't been able to keep the heat off of him at all this season. The 32 sacks they've given up this season are the fifth-most in the NFL, and they have a mobile quarterback that can escape. The issue is they aren't giving him the time to escape. Murray has been a solid play all year, but this is a weak you want to look elsewhere if you have the option.
Ryan Finley @ Oakland Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ryan Finley wasn't outstanding last week, and this matchup is going to be brutal even though this isn't the NFL's most elite defense. He's traveling to Oakland to play against the infamous "Black Hole." He's still going to be without wide receiver A.J. Green, and his offensive line remains a massive work in progress, as they've given up 31 sacks this season.
For Oakland, this is nearing the end of an era, as they're moving to Las Vegas at the end of the season. They only have two more home games after this one, and they're also jostling for playoff position at 5-4. They're currently second in the AFC West. They have a modest 20 sacks on the season, but they've won three of their last five, and they're ready to keep making some noise in the AFC. They could be a sneaky play in DFS this week as well.
Dishonorable Mention: Jared Goff vs Chicago Bears
That's More Like It
Tom Brady @ Philadelphia Eagles
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady adds another year to his NFL lifespan every week, but he remains a top-10 quarterback in this league. In Week 11, he's getting a rematch of Super Bowl 52 that saw the Patriots get upset by the Philadelphia Eagles. His offensive line has been dealing with injuries all season, but this Eagles front has been the same way. The Pats have only given up 16 sacks on the year, which is tied for third in the league.
For Philly, after a slow start to the season, they've turned it on, but they're still just average in the sack department with 24. The Patriots have been able to lean on their defense this year, but the Eagles secondary won't be able to slow down the Patriots pass-catchers at all in this game. Brady isn't a high-tier option all that often anymore, but this is one of those weeks.
Derek Carr vs Cincinnati Bengals
While Finley is likely to have a miserable game, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr can light it up this week behind his wall of an offensive line. They've allowed just 12 sacks this season, and 10 of those came in just three games. He takes care of the ball, with just four interceptions this season, and he's typically taken advantage of good matchups this season. This is a great matchup for him.
The Bengals Defense has just 10 sacks on the year. They've played 10 games. Some teams are averaging two or three per game, and the Bengals are averaging just one. They don't have an elite edge rusher that can go get the quarterback, and they could be without defensive tackle Geno Atkins (knee) this week. If Finley struggles to take care of the ball, they could get worn out by the time the game ends, which gives Carr more opportunities.
Dak Prescott @ Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been a tough out this year against the NFL's top teams, but they're likely just far too outmatched this week. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has all of his weapons with a healthy offensive line, and he's been feasting this season with three or more touchdowns in four games, and he's gone over 220 yards in every game as well. His offensive line is tied for the league lead with just 11 sacks allowed, and they should keep him clean this week.
The Lions Defense has just 19 sacks this season, and starting quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to be out for this game. They'll be on the field more and get worn out throughout the game. Additionally, they're still looking for a consistent cornerback opposite Darius Slay. Prescott should target that matchup all game, and 250+ yards with three scores is not out of the question for this week.
