Fantasy Football Week 11 Start/Sit Advice: 14 Sleepers & Duds (2025)

Week 11 is here, and if your fantasy football lineup feels like it’s held together by duct tape, caffeine, and denial, you’re not alone. Between byes, injuries, and that one player who can’t stop dropping wide-open touchdowns, finding the right starters has never felt more like a trust fall. Luckily, our Featured Pros are here to catch you with their weekly list of Sleepers and Duds to help you spot the golden tickets and avoid the landmines. So take a deep breath, ignore your bench regrets, and let’s get to the names that could make (or break) your week.

Fantasy Football Week 11 Start/Sit Advice

Sleepers

Which player outside of the top 100 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is a good sleeper start, and why do you think he has upside this week?

Cedric Tillman (WR – CLE)

“Cedric Tillman returned to the lineup last week and played 73 percent of the snaps. He got near his usual starter workload. He had just two receptions for 11 yards on four targets. But he played and got his chances, so the potential is there for the big-play target. Remember, Tillman found the end zone in two straight games to start his season, including one against this week’s opponent, the Ravens, before getting injured. Baltimore allows the fourth most fantasy points to receivers and at least 245 passing yards in three straight games. Tillman might be worth taking a chance on this week.”
– Jeff Paur (RTSports)

Sean Tucker (RB – TB)

“It is crazy that the lead back on a top fantasy is ranked outside the top 100 for week 11, but that is the case with Sean Tucker. He isn’t posting Jonathan Taylor numbers, but he has averaged 10.5 carries the last two weeks and 47.5 yards. He appears to have overtaken Rachaad White as the lead back, and with there being no immediate date for Bucky Irving‘s return, Sean Tucker will grow more comfortable and help owners fill running back or flex spots left due to injuries. After games against Buffalo and the Rams, Tampa will close with Arizona, New Orleans, Atlanta, Carolina, and Miami, and if Bucky Irving doesn’t return, Tucker could sneak into being a difference maker in the fantasy playoffs.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Calvin Austin III (WR – PIT)

“I like Calvin Austin III this week against a bad Cincinnati Bengals defense. Since his return from injury, Austin III has 19 targets over three games. While the production hasn’t been there for him, he has faced much tougher defenses. Not only are his reception totals going to see some positive progression, but he and the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense have a much better chance of finding the end zone as well.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)

“While it hasn’t translated to relative fantasy success, Calvin Austin III could be a solid flex play this week. Austin has 19 targets in his last three contests, and is the clear WR2 in the Steelers offense. Austin gets a home date with the Cincinnati Bengals this week, a Bengals team conceding at least 27 points in every game this year except for one (Week 1 versus Cleveland). While Austin may need a score to really have a boom performance, there is a case to be made that there may be a floor here, making Austin a worthwhile play in Week 11.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Calvin Austin III is sort of intriguing this week. He’s playing in a potential shootout against the Bengals. D.K. Metcalf is likely to draw something close to shadow coverage from the Bengals’ best cornerback, D.J. Turner. The last time the Steelers faced them, Austin was out, and Turner limited Metcalf to two catches for 45 yards. If Turner keeps Metcalf in check again, it might be to Austin’s benefit in a game where the high-flying Bengals offense might force Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to keep up.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

Tyler Lockett (WR – LV)

“I’m going to keep beating the drum for Tyler Lockett. His current ranking of 102 overall and WR48 feels very appropriate, but his upside is pretty high. His matchup against the porous Dallas defense on Monday Night Football is very attractive to me. He could be the WR1 for the Raiders, which could cause him to be responsible for many Monday Night Miracles in Week 11. I’m fine starting him in my flex this week and am higher on him than 102 overall.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)

Mack Hollins (WR – NE)

“Mack Hollins is an intriguing sleeper start outside the top 100 this week. With Kayshon Boutte sidelined in Week 10, Hollins capitalized on his opportunity, recording six catches for 106 yards on 10 targets and posting a season-high 16.6 fantasy points. He’s quietly been one of the most efficient receivers this year, ranking 3rd in QB rating per target and 5th in fantasy points per target while maintaining strong separation metrics. If Boutte remains limited with his hamstring injury, Hollins should continue to see a heavy target share. Facing a struggling Jets defense that ranks 31st in passing DVOA and allows the 27th-most points per game, Hollins has legitimate WR4 upside with sneaky flex appeal.”
– Ryan Linkletter (Blitz Sports Media)

Chimere Dike (WR – TEN)

“I hate seeing a red ranking when pulling a sleeper out of the muck, but Chimere Dike’s upside outweighs my distaste for his matchup against a Houston Texans defense that ranks in the top five in points allowed to Fantasy wide receivers. Dike passes the eye test and the recency love. He’s explosive, he’s had two double-digit scoring weeks in his last three, and he receives opportunities to contribute on special teams, where he scored a touchdown in week #9 against the physical Chargers. I’m not a buyer of the Texans, so a tough red-ranking looks to me to be more of a paper tiger than a bull with bite. The Titans have nothing to lose, Dike is the best athlete on the field on most snaps, and the Texans are primed for a clunker. Dike’s your low-ranked sleeper with upside this week. Don’t message me on Monday because all I’m going to do is give you the hand and say, “I told ya so, bro.””
– Chris Mitchell (FantasyData)

Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)

“Rodgers can’t push the ball downfield. The Bengals refuse to cover tight ends. So, I’ll take Pat Friermuth in the return bout against Cincinnati. The Bengals have allowed 12 touchdowns to tight ends, including four Rodgers throws (two to Freiermuth and 5/111 overall) in the first contest. He represents great value at TE26 (126 in the rankings overall).”
– Mike Harmon (Swollen Dome)

Duds

Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?

Derrick Henry (RB – BAL)

“Derrick Henry had 20 carries last week but managed just 75 yards. He is getting a lot of volume, but just isn’t having the same success as last year in this offense. His numbers have been more erratic. He has not topped 20 fantasy points in a game since Week 1. Things could be tough again for him this week against the Browns, a team he ran 11 times for 23 yards against in Week 2. Cleveland allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs on the season.”
– Jeff Paur (RTSports)

“Derrick Henry has been a fantasy stud for so long that it is very hard to write that I am worried about him as the season progresses. He only has 2 games over 100 yards rushing this year. The last time he faced the Cleveland Browns, who actually have a pretty decent defense, he ran 11 times for 23 yards. While I don’t see a day that terrible, I don’t see him living up to the desired outcome of fantasy owners. This is the time of year for fantasy trade deadlines, and it might be time to see if Henry can be traded on name value for a younger running back as the owner makes a playoff run.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

“Nothing against Derrick Henry because I still think he’s going to go on an absolute tear after this week, but I am hands off in Week 11. In his last matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, he had just 23 yards on 11 carries in a game where the Baltimore Ravens put up 41 points. He’s more touchdown dependent than in years past, and against a tough Cleveland front, I think he’ll put up an unremarkable line this week.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)

Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI)

“Saquon Barkley has had a season full of ups and a season full of downs. I think that can really be said for just about everyone associated with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, record aside. This week, Barkley gets a doozy of a matchup against the Lions, who have conceded the 2nd fewest points to the running back position this season. This is in contrast to the 11th most points conceded to opposing WRs, the point being that the way to attack the Lions may just be through the air. Expectations may have to be tempered for this one, and while Barkley may get a score, how much more he will get on top of that remains to be seen. Barkley might just be more of a top-15 play this week versus his usual top-12 standards.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Saquon Barkley is the top-40 player most likely to disappoint fantasy managers in Week 10. Despite ranking third in opportunity share, his efficiency has cratered, sitting just 32nd in points per opportunity and 121st in EPA. Barkley has topped five yards per carry only twice all season, a sharp decline from last year’s consistency, and he’s struggled to convert touches into meaningful production. Facing a Lions defense that ranks eighth in rushing DVOA and allows the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs, his outlook is grim. It’s difficult to see Barkley living up to his RB10 ranking this week, given his poor efficiency and brutal matchup.”
– Ryan Linkletter (Blitz Sports Media)

Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)

“Even though Rome Odunze had a great fantasy performance in Week 10, I’m nervous for him in Week 11. Not only do the Bears spread the ball around a lot, but Odunze has been very inconsistent himself. His ranking of 38 overall and WR17 doesn’t leave any room for his downside. He’s scored below 5 PPR points in three of the last five weeks, including his zero in Week 9. I just can’t trust him at a WR17 value. I’m fine flexing him, but I’m hoping I have more trustworthy options for the WR slots in my lineup.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)

Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)

“Quinshon Judkins is averaging 3.1 yards per carry over his last four games; he only has eight receiving yards over that stretch, and he’s failed to score a touchdown in three of those four games. This week he’s up against the Ravens, whose defense has gotten back on track in recent weeks. Judkins still gets plenty of rushing volume, but it might not lead to a particularly fruitful fantasy performance.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE) | Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)

“I KNOW I KNOW, one disappointing player per posting. I’m a rule breaker. What can I say?? Well, I can say that both of these players have very similar tales to tell, both before, during, and after this game. I’m choosing ONE game to avoid rather than just one player. Subtle difference, but an important one. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Breece Hall have been on heaters in recent weeks (over 200 yards rushing, two touchdowns, and over 30 Fantasy points for both in the last two weeks). Both will carry their managers’ teams and the rock straight into the fantasy playoffs with extremely friendly matchups in Weeks 12 and 13, as well as in Weeks 15, 16, and 17 for the playoffs. As for the “during”, they face each other in a difficult short-week Thursday night matchup in Week 11. The Jets are a relatively average defense across the board as far as Fantasy matchups go, making it a fine matchup for Henderson. However, he’s got Terrell Jennings stealing early down snaps and the potential return of Rhamondre Stevenson vulturing passing down and red zone touches in a game that could be a low-scoring, muck and mire type of Thursday Night battle. Henderson struggles in pass protection, which reduces his snap count, and most of his scoring has come on huge 50+ yard explosion plays. The raw touches and targets aren’t there week to week. For Hall, it’s simple. The Patriots’ defense is filthy. Gonzalez is a shutdown corner, while Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and “The Tonga Truck” are a brick wall to try to run through. They’ve allowed 50 yards rushing to ONE running back this season. Neither of these red-hot, top 40 Fantasy starters is going to do well, and, to make things a tougher slog, Thursday night games are often ugly and low-scoring. Avoid the hype and the love and THIS game this week before jumping on their backs and riding them to a title in the money weeks that follow. I’m hesitant to invest in Henderson, but if your league is still open for business, I’d make a push for Breece Hall. He’s going to win some owners some leagues with that Jets situation and the extremely friendly matchups ahead.”
– Chris Mitchell (FantasyData)

AJ Brown (WR – PHI)

“I’ll take the bait. If he goes off in Week 11, then thank me? AJ Brown sits at No. 37 on this week’s rankings. We draft based on history, consistency, and patterns. At this point in the season, Brown’s explosive plays are outliers, like his Week 7 dominance of the Vikings (4/121/2). But the floors have been shockingly low and too frequent. So, I’ll put my wishing and hoping energy toward my Christmas list for Santa.”
– Mike Harmon (Swollen Dome)