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Start 'em, sit 'em fantasy football sleepers for Week 11 of 2024. Kacey's fantasy football outlooks for Alexander Mattison, Russell Wilson, Elijah Moore, Jonnu Smith.
Zeroing in on the right sleepers each week can be the secret to fantasy football success. Some players come out of nowhere, ready to save your lineup when you least expect it.
It could be a quarterback with a soft matchup, a running back stepping in, or a receiver getting extra looks. The challenge? Deciding which wild card to trust.
So, who is ready to surprise us this time? Let's jump into the Week 11 sleepers that might give your team the boost it needs.
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Russell Wilson (QB, PIT) vs. Baltimore Ravens
Russell Wilson is an under-the-radar quarterback to target in Week 11 as the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens have difficulty against the pass, allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. This week, the veteran quarterback is a sleeper pick, especially considering his recent success as Pittsburgh's starter.
Over the past three games, Wilson has led the Steelers to three straight wins, including a 28-27 victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 10.
While his accuracy could have been better, he managed to get the job done and secure the win. The Wisconsin alum connected on just 14 of his 28 passes for 195 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Russell Wilson in the 4th quarter with the Steelers:
- 11 completions on 14 throws
- 216 yards
- 3 TDs
- 0 INTs
- 15.4 yards per attempt
- 9 1st down conversions
- 158.3 passer ratingPerfect. pic.twitter.com/4OKB1mzEND
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) November 11, 2024
Wilson's affinity for George Pickens has significantly helped the quarterback's success. Pickens has hit paydirt in two of the three games the QB has started this season and remains a reliable target for the veteran quarterback.
Baltimore's defense has been porous against the pass. It has conceded 294.9 passing yards per game, the most in the league. The Ravens also give up the fourth-most yards per pass attempt.
With Wilson at quarterback and Pickens as his top target, the Steelers have the potential to exploit Baltimore's weaknesses and put up significant numbers in Week 11. For fantasy managers needing a streaming quarterback, the 35-year-old is a sleeper worth considering this week.
Alexander Mattison (RB, LV) at Miami Dolphins
A sleeper running back to have on your radar this week is Alexander Mattison of the Las Vegas Raiders. This week, the Raiders battle the Miami Dolphins.
Despite competition from Zamir White, the 26-year-old has retained his starting job, which keeps him in a favorable spot for fantasy purposes.
In Week 9, Mattison ran the ball nine times for 36 yards in a challenging 41-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The game script took Las Vegas out of its running game as it trailed quickly. The Boise State product only tallied 3.6 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
Alexander Mattison punches it in for his second TD of the season! 🔵🏈#BleedBlue | #BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/5LLnQcNq9Z
— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) September 15, 2024
Although White did vulture a touchdown in Week 9, and Ameer Abdullah also saw some involvement, Mattison should get back on track in this one.
Miami is a promising matchup for the runner, with the Dolphins giving up the 11th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. With a bye week behind him, Mattison is rested and ready to take on Miami in Week 11.
Given the matchup and his role, this could be the week Mattison finds the end zone. Fantasy managers looking for a sleeper with scoring potential and a starting role should consider the RB against Miami's defense.
Elijah Moore (WR, CLE) at New Orleans Saints
Elijah Moore of the Cleveland Browns is a strong sleeper in Week 11 as he faces the New Orleans Saints. He is coming off a bye week and should be well-rested.
In Week 9, the Browns took on the Los Angeles Chargers, and Moore saw nine targets despite a 27-10 loss. The Ole Miss alum only caught three balls, but his role in the offense is growing. He was thrown to 12 times in Week 8 against the Ravens and six times in Week 7 facing the Bengals.
This 3rd down catch and throw from Jameis Winston & Elijah Moore is a thing of beauty.
maybe the best route I've ever seen Moore run in a real game? Either way, perfectly executed play by both here. pic.twitter.com/Pwn0xFZzOm
— Mikey McNuggets (@MikeLucasTV) October 28, 2024
With Amari Cooper traded to the Buffalo Bills, Moore's opportunities have increased. With Jameis Winston as quarterback, the 24-year-old could see more action if he and the QB can get on the same page. The wideout gains the targets, but the connection with Winston has not been there.
The Saints defense favors wide receivers, surrendering the 10th-most fantasy points per game to the position. It also ranks near the bottom in both receptions and yards allowed to wide receivers this season.
Given his consistent target share and an optimistic matchup, Moore is set up for a breakout game. Fantasy managers who need a high-upside sleeper should consider the fourth-year player in Week 11.
Jonnu Smith (TE, MIA) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
This week, Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith is a strong sleeper candidate as he faces the Las Vegas Raiders.
In Week 10, Smith played a key role in the Dolphins offense, finishing second on the team in receiving yards with 45. One of his standout plays was a 33-yard reception where he shook off multiple defenders, showing his ability to pick up yards after the catch.
That catch helped set up Tyreek Hill for a touchdown from the 1-yard line. Although Smith's yardage total was modest, his involvement in critical plays displays his reliable role in the Dolphins offense.
Jaylen Waddle this season:
44 targets, 31 receptions, 367 yards, 1 TDJonnu Smith this season:
44 targets, 33 receptions, 347 yards, 1 TD— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) November 12, 2024
The matchup versus the Raiders in Week 11 gives Smith a prime opportunity to shine. The Raiders have floundered against tight ends all season, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position.
In particular, they have been vulnerable in the red zone, where they have surrendered nine targets to tight ends -- tied for the most in the league with Cincinnati and Jacksonville. The Raiders have also given up five touchdowns to tight ends, which ties them for the third-most in the NFL.
With this encouraging matchup, the 29-year-old should see a productive game. Expect Smith to see increased red-zone looks and scoring opportunities against a Raiders defense that has consistently struggled to contain tight ends this season.
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