NFL football in November is basically just a war of attrition. You've got guys playing through high ankle sprains that would sideline a normal human for a month, and the weather is finally starting to get weird. If you're looking at the qb week 11 rankings for the 2025 season, the biggest takeaway isn't just who has the biggest arm. It’s who’s actually left standing.
Honestly, it’s a weird time for the position. We spent all September and October obsessed with the rookie revolution. Drake Maye has been playing out of his mind in New England, and Caleb Williams is doing things in Chicago that have Bears fans actually feeling hope—which is a dangerous thing in that city. But now that we’re hitting the Week 11 stretch, the "old heads" are starting to flex. Matthew Stafford is currently on a heater that feels like 2021 all over again. He's throwing with this backyard-level freedom that makes the Rams look terrifying.
The Elite Tier: No Room for Error
When you look at the top of the board, it’s still the usual suspects, but the order is shifting. Josh Allen is sitting at the top of most lists for a reason. Even when the Bills lose—like that shocking L they took in Week 10—Allen still finds a way to put up 20+ fantasy points because he’s basically a goal-line running back who can also throw it 70 yards. He’s facing Tampa Bay this week. The Bucs have been stingy lately, but Buffalo’s implied team total is so high that you’d be crazy to bet against him.
Lamar Jackson is right there with him. He’s been more of a "fighter" than a "magician" lately, dealing with a few knocks and a Ravens offensive line that’s been a bit hit-or-miss. But his elusiveness is the ultimate cheat code. He’s heading into Cleveland this week. That’s a rivalry game where stats usually go to die, but Lamar’s floor is just too high to ignore.
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- Josh Allen (BUF) vs. TB: The ceiling is the roof, as MJ would say.
- Lamar Jackson (BAL) @ CLE: Even a "limited" Lamar is better than 90% of the league.
- Dak Prescott (DAL) @ LV: Coming off a bye and looking to clean up the turnovers.
- Jalen Hurts (PHI) vs. DET: The Detroit game should be a track meet. Expect rushing TDs.
The Stafford Surge and the Veteran Renaissance
Can we talk about Matthew Stafford for a second? The guy is 37 years old and playing some of the best football of his career. Since Week 7, he’s been the QB2 in points per game. Having Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (yeah, still feels weird to see him in a Rams jersey) makes his life a lot easier. He gets Seattle in Week 11. The Seahawks' defense has been middle-of-the-road against the pass, and Stafford is the type of vet who will slice up a Zone look all day long.
Then you have the "Battle of the 40-Year-Olds" in the AFC North. Joe Flacco is still out here slinging it for Cincinnati while Joe Burrow deals with a toe injury. Flacco has actually been a top-10 fantasy QB since he took over. He's facing Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. It’s wild that in 2025, we’re still talking about Flacco and Rodgers as viable starters, but here we are. Rodgers has been struggling, sailing balls and looking a bit skittish under pressure, but the Bengals' defense is currently dead last against QBs. If he’s ever going to have a "vintage" game, it’s this one.
Why the qb week 11 rankings are a Nightmare for Streamers
If you’re a Daniel Jones owner or you were relying on C.J. Stroud, you’re probably staring at the waiver wire with a sense of dread. Both the Colts and the Saints are on bye. Plus, Stroud is still dealing with concussion protocol. This leaves a massive hole in the middle of the rankings.
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You might be tempted by someone like Bo Nix. The Broncos rookie has been a roller coaster. One week he’s leading four fourth-quarter comebacks, and the next he’s completing 55% of his passes and looking lost. He’s got the Chiefs this week. Kansas City is well-rested coming off their bye, and Andy Reid with two weeks to prepare is a nightmare for a young quarterback. I’d be very careful there.
The Health Factor: Who's In and Who's Out?
The injury report for Week 11 is longer than a CVS receipt. Here’s what we actually know:
- Brock Purdy is finally back for the 49ers. He’s missed most of the year with a toe injury, but Kyle Shanahan confirmed he’s starting against Arizona. He might be rusty, but the 49ers' offense is a different animal with him under center.
- Jaxson Dart is likely out for the Giants after another concussion. Jameis Winston is the projected starter, which means the "Jameis Experience" is coming to New York. Expect three touchdowns and three interceptions. It’ll be great TV.
- Jayden Daniels is still sidelined with that elbow issue. The Commanders are playing Marcus Mariota in Madrid against the Dolphins. Mariota has a decent rushing floor, but Miami’s pass rush has been quietly elite lately.
What to Watch for in the Mid-Tier
Caleb Williams is the name everyone is watching. He’s coming off consecutive top-five fantasy weeks. The Bears' offense is finally starting to click, and they’re heading to Minnesota to face a Vikings defense that’s been vulnerable lately. Williams is high-risk, but if he keeps up this rushing production, he’s a fringe QB1.
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On the flip side, Sam Darnold has been steady in Seattle. He’s basically turned Jaxon Smith-Njigba into a superstar. They face the Rams in a game that has a high over/under. If you’re looking for a safe floor, Darnold is your guy. He doesn't have the "superman" upside of Josh Allen, but he also won't tank your week with a zero.
Actionable Insights for Your Roster
If you’re making a push for the playoffs, you need to be aggressive now. The qb week 11 rankings show a clear divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots."
- Buy Low on Jordan Love: He looked terrible on Monday Night Football, but he gets the Giants this week. That defense is a "get right" spot for any struggling passer.
- Stream Joe Flacco: If he’s somehow still on your waiver wire, grab him. The Bengals have zero run game right now, so they’re forced to let Flacco throw 40 times a game.
- Fade Bo Nix: I know he’s the QB6 on the season in some formats, but the matchup against KC is a trap.
- Check the Weather in Buffalo: It’s mid-November. If that wind starts howling, Josh Allen’s rushing attempts go up, but his passing efficiency might dip.
Check your local listings for that Commanders/Dolphins game in Madrid—it starts early. Don't be the person who forgets to set their lineup because the game kicked off while you were still sleeping.
Keep a close eye on the final injury reports Friday afternoon. If Brock Purdy has any setbacks, Mac Jones becomes a desperation play for the Niners, which changes the entire value of guys like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. It’s a messy week, but that’s where the smart managers make their move.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Friday injury report specifically for Joe Burrow and Brock Purdy's practice participation.
- Swap out any Colts or Saints players (Daniel Jones, Tyler Shough) from your starting lineup before the Thursday night kickoff.
- Verify the kickoff time for the Madrid game to ensure your Superflex spots are locked in.