Week 11 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. For the majority of the league, Tuesday morning brings a whole new week of football and preparing for their next game. However, a handful of players might not want to leave Week 11 so soon. Here’s a look at who impressed and who underachieved this week.
All point totals are based on PPR scoring.
Quarterback
Winner: Justin Herbert (34.28 FPTS)
Herbert had a fantastic game on Sunday night, completing 30 passes for 382 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. He also moved around well, picking up 90 yards on the ground. Last year’s first-round pick finished as the overall QB1 and remains a must-start option heading into a Week 12 battle with the Broncos.
Loser: Matt Ryan (2.12 FPTS)
Over the past two weeks, Ryan has 270 passing yards, zero touchdowns, four interceptions, and four sacks. These did come in a pair of tough clashes against the Cowboys and Patriots, but it’s still more than enough to deter fantasy manages going forward. He should not be started despite a favorable matchup against the Jaguars next Sunday.
Running Back
Winner: Jonathan Taylor (53.4 FPTS)
Taylor had a historic day, totaling 204 scrimmage yards and five total touchdowns. He’s the top running back in dynasty formats and might even be the RB1 in redraft leagues, too.
Loser: D’Onta Foreman (5.0 FPTS)
Logic would have suggested that Foreman as a shaky-at-best option this past week, but the lack of stability at running back forced him into many fantasy managers’ lineups. The 25-year-old ultimately posted 40 yards on just six touches against his old team, the Texans. Instead, it was Dontrell Hilliard who had a big day, racking up 82 scrimmage yards on seven rushes and eight catches.
Wide Receiver
Winner: Justin Jefferson (37.2 FPTS)
Jefferson was dominant for the third week in a row, but his effort this past Sunday was on a whole different level of special. The 22-year-old ultimately tallied 169 yards and two touchdowns against the Packers, and he’s totaled 312 yards over his last two games alone. Fantasy managers should start him against a shaky 49ers secondary next week.
Loser: Brandin Cooks (3.8 FPTS)
Many people in the fantasy football community expected a respectable game from Cooks. After all, he’s the clear alpha in an offense that needs to pass the ball in order to win. Houston accomplished the winning part, but Cooks was held to just two catches for 18 yards. His value has dropped to the WR3 range going forward.
Tight End
Winner: Zach Ertz (28.8 FPTS)
The Cardinals may have been without Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins this past week, but they still found a playmaker who stepped up. Ertz finished the game with eight catches for 88 yards and two scores in what turned out to be his best game of the 2021 season.
Loser: Dan Arnold (0.0 FPTS)
All week long, I was adamant that Arnold needed one more solid week before I could trust him in the low-end TE1 range. He failed to do so. The 26-year-old was on the field for 65 percent of snaps but went untargeted in Jacksonville’s loss. Fantasy managers should view Arnold in the TE2 range going forward.
Defense
Winner: New England Patriots (26.0 FPTS)
The Patriots’ defense had its best game of the season on Thursday night, racking up four sacks, four interceptions, and a touchdown. All the while, the unit held the Falcons to just 165 yards and zero points. They have a tougher matchup against the Titans in Week 12 but should still be started in most leagues.
Loser: Buffalo Bills (-4.0 FPTS)
The Bills entered Week 11 as the No. 1 defense in fantasy. This Sunday, though, they finished dead last. When all was said and done, Buffalo allowed 41 points and 30 yards while failing to register a sack or turnover. The unit should get back on track against the Saints next week.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Andersen Pickard on Twitter @AndersenPickard
Main Image Credit: