Week 11 is where the pretenders finally get exposed. Honestly, if you aren't sweating your lineup decisions right now, you probably aren't in the hunt for a ring. We’ve hit that brutal stretch of the 2025 season where bye weeks and "limited" practice tags start to feel like a personal attack on your soul.
The week 11 espn fantasy football rankings are out, and they tell a story of a league in transition. We have veteran stalwarts like Christian McCaffrey finally looking like their old selves, while rookies like Drake Maye are out-earning former MVPs. This isn't your August draft board anymore. Not even close.
The Quarterback Chaos: Maye over Mahomes?
If you told me in September that Drake Maye would be the QB1 in total fantasy points heading into Week 11, I’d have asked for whatever you were drinking. Yet, here we are. The kid is special. He’s thrown 12 touchdowns in his last five games and, perhaps more importantly, he’s running like his hair is on fire.
ESPN has him locked in as a Tier 1 start this week against a Jets defense that looks like it’s already scouting vacation spots in Cancun.
On the flip side, we have the C.J. Stroud situation. Houston’s signal-caller has been ruled out with a concussion, which basically nukes the ceiling for that entire offense against Tennessee. If you’re a Stroud owner, you’re likely staring at the waiver wire for someone like Marcus Mariota or even Joe Flacco.
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Lamar Jackson is another one to watch. He’s back at practice, but that knee is clearly bothering him. He’s only managed about 50 rushing yards over his last two games combined. You’re still starting him—obviously—but don't expect the 100-yard rushing "cheat code" performance we saw back in October.
Running Backs: The Workhorses vs. The Handcuffs
Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs are the gold standard right now. Barkley is basically the entire Eagles offense at this point. But the real drama in the rankings happens further down the list.
- Bucky Irving: The Bucs' rookie is a game-time decision. If he plays, he’s a risky RB2. If he’s out, Rachaad White becomes a volume-based must-start against a Bills defense that just got torched by De’Von Achane.
- Jonathan Taylor: He just dropped 48 points in an international game. He’s the RB1 for many analysts this week, even with the Colts heading into a bye soon.
- The "League Winners": This is the time of year where you stop carrying a fifth wide receiver. Drop them. Grab Tyler Allgeier or Blake Corum. They are one rolled ankle away from being top-10 weekly plays.
The gap between the "elites" and the "maybes" is widening. Honestly, I’d rather start a backup like Brian Robinson Jr. over a struggling starter like Tyrone Tracy Jr. this week. Volume is king in November.
Wide Receivers: The Target Hogs
Ja’Marr Chase is currently the WR1, and it’s not particularly close. He’s outscored Justin Jefferson by a massive margin this season. With Joe Burrow playing at an elite level, Chase is the only player you can truly say is "matchup proof."
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But let's talk about the Bears. DJ Moore is basically being used as a gadget player. It’s frustrating. He returned to practice after a shoulder scare, but he’s barely a WR4 right now. You’re hoping for a random touchdown rather than consistent yardage.
Meanwhile, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has quietly ascended into the top 15. The Seahawks' passing volume is ridiculous, and with the playoffs looming, he’s the guy you want in your FLEX spot.
Tight Ends: A Position of Sadness
If you don't have George Kittle or Travis Kelce, you're basically throwing darts at a board. Sam LaPorta is likely out this week with a back injury, which should send a massive target share toward Jameson Williams in Detroit.
Brock Bowers has been a revelation for the Raiders, but the Week 11 matchup against the Cowboys is a trap. Dallas has been vulnerable, sure, but the Raiders' quarterback situation is... well, it's the Raiders. Bowers is still a top-5 play because the position is a wasteland, but lower your expectations for a "boom" game.
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The Bye Week Survival Guide
Only two teams are on bye this week: the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints.
Compared to some of the four-team or six-team carnage we’ve seen recently, this is a breeze. However, losing Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara in the same week is a death sentence for some rosters. If you’re scrambling, look at the matchups. Target kickers in domes. Look for defenses playing against turnover-prone backups. Basically, do the unsexy stuff that wins games.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Roster
- Check the Thursday Night Reports: The Jets and Patriots game will set the tone. If you have Drake Maye or Breece Hall, make sure they are in your lineup before kickoff.
- Scour the Wire for Stash RBs: Handcuff season is officially here. Drop your kicker and grab a high-upside backup until Sunday morning.
- Monitor the Stroud/Mills News: If Davis Mills is starting, Nico Collins is a "Can-Start" rather than a "Must-Start."
- スペイン (Spain) Watch: The Commanders and Dolphins are playing in Madrid. International games are notoriously weird for fantasy. Temper your expectations for Tua Tagovailoa, even against a bad Washington defense.
- Audit Your Trade Deadline: Most trade windows close this week or next. If you're 4-6, you need to sell your future for a win right now.
Week 11 isn't about having the best team; it's about having the most available team. Stay flexible, trust the usage trends over the name on the back of the jersey, and stop overthinking the "experts." Most of them are just as stressed as you are.