Most of the bye weeks are complete, so now it’s time to bolster that bench and try to sneak in some possible handcuffs just in case something catastrophic happens to your lineup.
Keep an eye on the matchups, and I’ll try to locate some running backs who may have some value heading into these final weeks. Here’s an early look at the week 11 fantasy football waiver wire.
Jamaal Williams, RB, Green Bay Packers
He was a favorite stash player before the season began, but after troubling results when he got his chance, he was dropped in all fantasy formats. Now it’s time to pick him up again.
The Packers’ backfield is tough to trust, but Williams is the only one left who isn’t injured. Aaron Jones left the week 10 contest with injury, and Ty Montgomery also exited. That left Williams to carry the ball 20 times for only 67 yards. I’m not too enthused about the yardage. However, I do love the volume.
Green Bay gets a good matchup in week 11 against Baltimore’s rush defense, which is inconsistent at best. If Montgomery and Jones are out, expect Williams to garner plenty of carries.
Rod Smith, RB, Dallas Cowboys
If you’re in dire need of a running game, then Smith could be your answer.
He rotated with starter Alfred Morris for several series and looks to be a decent option out of the backfield in the passing game. The downside, it doesn’t appear he will do anything in the running game, unless Morris gets hurt. The upside, though, is that he was the preferred option over Darren McFadden.
How the Cowboys navigate these next few weeks without Ezekiel Elliott is difficult to prognosticate. Having Smith on your roster is a good move in anticipation of increased volume.
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Your lineup may look silly to the rest of the league, but if Drew Stanton can’t go in week 11 because of a sprained knee, Gabbert isn’t a horrible play. He wouldn’t be much of a drop-off from Stanton anyway, and the Cardinals square off against a Texans defense that can’t stop anybody at the moment.
Houston gives up the fourth-most fantasy points per game against quarterbacks, and that’s getting worse.
Gabbert isn’t a reliable option compared to top-tier options, but he does bring value if you’re looking to stream quarterbacks in week 11.
Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Finding those running backs who have standalone RB1 value is becoming harder by the year. Melvin Gordon was supposed to be a top-flight running back, who was a consistently solid RB1. And while he’s been good for the majority of the season, week 10 saw Ekeler break in and steal a lot of touches.
Ekeler went for 42 yards rushing and 77 yards receiving with two touchdowns in week 10 against Jacksonville. He was out-touched by Gordon, but it wasn’t by a long shot. That creates some value for Ekeler, who was the main option in most of the fourth quarter for the Chargers before an untimely fumble.
Even with Gordon still winning the touches game, Ekeler has put himself into play in fantasy football. He should be owned in all formats as not only a reliable handcuff, but a player who has some standalone value.
Marqise Lee, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
He’s owned in 60 percent of leagues, but in recent weeks, Lee should be owned in all formats.
He was dynamic once again in week 10, going for six catches and 55 yards, with one touchdown and a two-point conversion. He had double-digit targets again, giving him 39 targets during the last four games. He’s the No. 1 receiver on a Jacksonville team leaning more on the pass in recent weeks.
Lee has a tasty matchup in week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, so if Lee is open in your league, pick him up.
