Fantasy Football Week 11 Rankings: Expert Tiers for QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs, Kickers & Defenses

My initial fantasy football rankings for NFL Week 11 are out, but as always, things will change between now and when things lock on Sunday.

These projections will change throughout the week as I dive deeper into injury reports, data, and other news from last week. With that said, make sure to check my updated Week 11 rankings and projections before you lock in your final lineup decisions.

I’ve organized my initial Week 11 fantasy football rankings into tiers to assist you with your start-sit choices. This tiered structure allows you to easily see the expected performance gaps between players at each position. Additionally, I’ve provided important notes on crucial players at the end of each positional section to further aid your decision-making process.

Let’s dive into the initial version of my Week 11 fantasy football tiers below!

Week 11 Fantasy Football Rankings, Expert Tiers

Editor’s note: Our weekly fantasy football rankings, tiers, and expert projections are part of our 2024 fantasy football kit. Click here to get access!

Quarterback Tiers

Last updated 2:30 PM ET Saturday, Nov. 16.

Tier 1

Jalen Hurts (vs. WAS)

Lamar Jackson (@ PIT)

Josh Allen (vs. KC)

Tier 2

Brock Purdy (vs. SEA)

Jayden Daniels (@ PHI)

Tier 3

Joe Burrow (@ LAC)

Tier 4

Patrick Mahomes (@ BUF)

Bo Nix (vs. ATL)

Geno Smith (@ SF)

Sam Darnold (@ TEN)

Justin Herbert (vs. CIN)

C.J. Stroud (@ DAL)

Jordan Love (@ CHI)

Tier 5

Jared Goff (vs. JAX)

Tua Tagovailoa (vs. LV)

Russell Wilson (vs. BAL)

Drake Maye (vs. LAR)

Tier 6

Jameis Winston (@ NO)

Anthony Richardson (@ NYJ)

Matthew Stafford (@ NE)

Aaron Rodgers (vs. IND)

Kirk Cousins (@ DEN)

Tier 7

Derek Carr (vs. CLE)

Caleb Williams (vs. GB)

Will Levis (vs. MIN)

Mac Jones (@ DET)

Gardner Minshew (@ MIA)

Tier 8

Cooper Rush (vs. HOU)

Geno Smith returns from the Week 10 bye, ideally with DK Metcalf back from his MCL strain—a massive boost to Geno’s value. On top of that, it feels like we’re finally seeing Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s breakout. I’ve said his ceiling could reach Amon-Ra St. Brown’s level, so it’s exciting to watch him develop. Geno’s coming off an unpredictable 363-yard, 3-touchdown, 3-interception game in Week 9, but I wouldn’t worry much about the picks, especially in leagues where they only cost a point. Those INTs often set up more pass-heavy game scripts that offset the penalty. He’s likely headed for another high-volume week against the 49ers.

Bo Nix continues to improve with each week of his rookie season. He’s emerging as a high-floor fantasy option thanks to his rushing ability and has a favorable matchup against the Falcons, which should help him keep that momentum.

Justin Herbert finally opens the week in my top 12 for the first time this season. He’s trending up after a stretch of three straight games with over 275 passing yards, though last week’s blowout win against the Titans limited his volume. Herbert’s past injuries seem to be behind him, as he’s now rushed for over 30 yards in two of the last three games. With all his pass catchers finally healthy, he’s positioned for a high-volume game against the Bengals, who may push him to drop back even more often.

Jared Goff had a rough 5-interception game last week but should bounce back to his efficient self against a defense that’s, let’s just say, quite welcoming. There’s a slight worry he could be too efficient and not need to pass much if the Lions build a quick lead. His overall value this week might hinge on whether he can notch a couple of passing TDs before the game script turns run-heavy.

C.J. Stroud’s outlook might get a bump if Nico Collins returns this week, which would boost him both now and for the rest of the season. However, this is a game where Stroud may not need to throw much since the Cowboys’ offense is unlikely to put up a lot of points on the Texans’ solid defense. I view Stroud as a high-end QB2 option in this matchup.

Russell Wilson has been playing well and clearly has a firm hold on the starting job. Having a vertical threat like Mike Williams on board raises his weekly ceiling, and this week’s game script against the pass-funnel Ravens defense could see the Steelers leaning more on the passing game, especially if Najee Harris is limited. Wilson’s ceiling is definitely higher with this setup.

Running Back Tiers

Last updated 2:30 PM ET Saturday, Nov. 16.

Tier 1

Christian McCaffrey (vs. SEA)

Alvin Kamara (vs. CLE)

Tier 2

Joe Mixon (@ DAL)

Kyren Williams (@ NE)

De’Von Achane (vs. LV)

Saquon Barkley (vs. WAS)

Tier 3

Breece Hall (vs. IND)

Derrick Henry (@ PIT)

Bijan Robinson (@ DEN)

Chase Brown (@ LAC)

Tier 4

Jahmyr Gibbs (vs. JAX)

Jonathan Taylor (@ NYJ)

Kenneth Walker (@ SF)

Aaron Jones (@ TEN)

J.K. Dobbins (vs. CIN)

David Montgomery (vs. JAX)

James Cook (vs. KC)

Tier 5

Josh Jacobs (@ CHI)

Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. LAR)

D’Andre Swift (vs. GB)

Kareem Hunt (@ BUF)

Tier 6

Travis Etienne (@ DET)

Nick Chubb (@ NO)

Tony Pollard (vs. MIN)

Najee Harris (vs. BAL)

Rico Dowdle (vs. HOU)

Tier 7

Audric Estime (vs. ATL)

Alexander Mattison (@ MIA)

Austin Ekeler (@ PHI)

Tier 8

Brian Robinson Jr. (@ PHI)

Jaylen Warren (vs. BAL)

Tier 9

Tyjae Spears (vs. MIN)

Javonte Williams (vs. ATL)

Braelon Allen (vs. IND)

Tier 10

Jerome Ford (@ NO)

Tyler Allgeier (@ DEN)

Gus Edwards (vs. CIN)

Zamir White (@ MIA)

Raheem Mostert (vs. LV)

Zach Charbonnet (@ SF)

Cam Akers (@ TEN)

Jaylen Wright (vs. LV)

Tier 11

D’Ernest Johnson (@ DET)

Emanuel Wilson (@ CHI)

Ezekiel Elliott (vs. HOU)

Justice Hill (@ PIT)

Roschon Johnson (vs. GB)

Ray Davis (vs. KC)

Kenneth Gainwell (vs. WAS)

Jaleel McLaughlin (vs. ATL)

Ameer Abdullah (@ MIA)

Antonio Gibson (vs. LAR)

Jordan Mims (vs. CLE)

Samaje Perine (@ BUF)

Cordarrelle Patterson (vs. BAL)

Blake Corum (@ NE)

Jeremy McNichols (@ PHI)

Ty Johnson (vs. KC)

Dare Ogunbowale (@ DAL)

JaMycal Hasty (vs. LAR)

Christian McCaffrey made his triumphant return last week and should see his workload reach 2023 levels as soon as this week. He’s back inside my top 2.

Aaron Jones is dealing with a rib injury that knocked him out of last week’s game, but the fact he was able to return bodes well for his chances to suit up this week. If he’s out, it’ll likely be Cam Akers, not Ty Chandler, who takes over as the lead back.

Kareem Hunt should continue to see a massive workload against the Bills, but with Isiah Pacheco nearing his return, either back could be used as trade pieces depending on whether you’re in win-now mode or can afford to stash an injured back.

Nick Chubb was phased out in the Browns’ Week 9 loss to the Chargers due to an early deficit, with Jerome Ford taking on more work in a pass-heavy game script. Chubb should be nearing full health following the Week 10 bye and has a favorable matchup against the Saints, making him a fringe RB2/3.

Tony Pollard essentially split work with Tyjae Spears last week, with Spears handling most passing downs. A potential trailing game script against the Vikings favors Spears, but both backs are dicey, given they’re cannibalizing each other’s touches in a fairly weak offense with Will Levis under center.

Travis Etienne took over as the lead back after Tank Bigsby suffered an ankle injury. If Bigsby suits up this week, it’s unclear how the backfield will split, and with Keilan Robinson potentially returning from IR soon, things could get even murkier. With Trevor Lawrence’s injury and the Jaguars possibly looking ahead to 2025, Robinson might see some reps.

Audric Estime stepped into the lead role for the Broncos, as hinted at on Fantasy Flex. He was efficient in this position, benefitting from the Broncos’ lead against the Chiefs. If this usage continues, he could offer RB3/Flex value in neutral or leading game scripts. In trailing scripts, Javonte Williams would benefit due to his passing-down role. It’s a volatile situation that requires caution.

High-upside backups: These are bench stashes who would instantly offer potential RB1 value if their starters miss time. However, their end-of-season value is unpredictable, depending on potential opportunities to step up, which is outside of their control. Here are the 3 backs I would likely rank as RB1s if their starter were ever to miss time:

Tyler Allgeier

Zach Charbonnet

Blake Corum

Each of these backups could crack the top 12 if given the chance to start. Blake Corum is notably the clear No. 2 behind Kyren, and while there’s no guarantee Kyren will miss time, it’s worth having Corum stashed.

Jaylen Wright seems to have jumped ahead of Raheem Mostert as the Dolphins’ No. 2 back. He could offer RB3/Flex value in this role and provide RB2+ upside if De’Von Achane misses time. The time to stash him is now, rather than waiting for an injury and then competing with others to pick him up.

Wide Receiver Tiers

Last updated 2:30 PM ET Saturday, Nov. 16.

Tier 1

Ja’Marr Chase (@ LAC)

Tier 2

Justin Jefferson (@ TEN)

Amon-Ra St. Brown (vs. JAX)

Tier 3

A.J. Brown (vs. WAS)

Cooper Kupp (@ NE)

Puka Nacua (@ NE)

Tyreek Hill (vs. LV)

Tier 4

Garrett Wilson (vs. IND)

Deebo Samuel (vs. SEA)

Drake London (@ DEN)

Nico Collins (@ DAL)

George Pickens (vs. BAL)

CeeDee Lamb (vs. HOU)

Davante Adams (vs. IND)

Khalil Shakir (vs. KC)

Tier 5

Ladd McConkey (vs. CIN)

Tee Higgins (@ LAC)

D.K. Metcalf (@ SF)

Jayden Reed (@ CHI)

Terry McLaurin (@ PHI)

Zay Flowers (@ PIT)

Tier 6

Jakobi Meyers (@ MIA)

Darnell Mooney (@ DEN)

Calvin Ridley (vs. MIN)

Jauan Jennings (vs. SEA)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (@ SF)

Cedric Tillman (@ NO)

Courtland Sutton (vs. ATL)

Tank Dell (@ DAL)

DeVonta Smith (vs. WAS)

DeAndre Hopkins (@ BUF)

Tier 7

Jaylen Waddle (vs. LV)

D.J. Moore (vs. GB)

Brian Thomas Jr. (@ DET)

Quentin Johnston (vs. CIN)

Jerry Jeudy (@ NO)

Romeo Doubs (@ CHI)

Jameson Williams (vs. JAX)

Amari Cooper (vs. KC)

Noah Brown (@ PHI)

Tyler Lockett (@ SF)

Josh Downs (@ NYJ)

Tier 8

Keenan Allen (vs. GB)

Demario Douglas (vs. LAR)

Elijah Moore (@ NO)

Rashod Bateman (@ PIT)

Devaughn Vele (vs. ATL)

Tre Tucker (@ MIA)

Rome Odunze (vs. GB)

Michael Pittman Jr. (@ NYJ)

Jordan Addison (@ TEN)

Gabe Davis (@ DET)

Christian Watson (@ CHI)

Ricky Pearsall (vs. SEA)

Xavier Worthy (@ BUF)

Ray-Ray McCloud (@ DEN)

Tier 9

Kayshon Boutte (vs. LAR)

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (vs. CLE)

Josh Palmer (vs. CIN)

Jalen Tolbert (vs. HOU)

Demarcus Robinson (@ NE)

Dontayvion Wicks (@ CHI)

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (vs. MIN)

Lil’Jordan Humphrey (vs. ATL)

Curtis Samuel (vs. KC)

Calvin Austin (vs. BAL)

Kalif Raymond (vs. JAX)

Mack Hollins (vs. KC)

Mike Williams (vs. BAL)

Van Jefferson (vs. BAL)

Nico Collins is aiming for a Week 11 return, and it seems the Texans prioritized getting him closer to full health before bringing him back. Given that, I’d start him as a WR2 right out of the gate.

Jauan Jennings has stepped into the X receiver role, formerly held by Brandon Aiyuk, leading to a season-high 92% route participation and a strong 7/93/0 line. If he keeps this role, he’s a solid low-end WR2 play moving forward.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be on the cusp of his breakout. While it’s hard for him to provide steady WR2 value with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett still active, I’ve long compared JSN’s style and potential to Amon-Ra St. Brown. It may not be consistent week to week, but the ceiling is high.

Adonai Mitchell delivered on my prop ladder last week, breaking out with a 6/71/0 line with Joe Flacco at QB and Michael Pittman sidelined. I see Mitchell as a long-term high-upside player, and while he’s not as polished as someone like Tee Higgins, that was my comp for him entering the NFL, and we could see him reach that level within the next couple of years. With Pittman and Anthony Richardson potentially back, his value dips, but he remains a WR with big-game potential when the stars align.

Brian Thomas Jr. has been battling injuries and now faces life without Trevor Lawrence. The change to Mac Jones doesn’t complement his style as well, and while he still has WR2/3 upside, the QB switch makes it tougher to count on him weekly.

Jordan Addison is a bit lower in my ranks this week. With TJ Hockenson back, Addison’s target share naturally declines, limiting his ceiling for Week 11.

Rashod Bateman’s role has been growing recently, but that momentum could slow with Diontae Johnson getting up to speed. Johnson’s snaps are likely to impact Nelson Agholor first, but Bateman’s target share might also take a hit, keeping him from being a reliable WR3 option.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling exploded with a 3/109/2 line, effectively stepping into the deep-threat role Rashid Shaheed often plays. While that boom potential is there, MVS is inherently volatile and best suited as a high-risk, high-reward play in daily fantasy tournaments or deeper leagues where you need a game-changer.

Tight End Tiers

Last updated 2:30 PM ET Saturday, Nov. 16.

Tier 1

Travis Kelce (@ BUF)

Tier 2

Brock Bowers (@ MIA)

George Kittle (vs. SEA)

Evan Engram (@ DET)

Tier 3

David Njoku (@ NO)

Taysom Hill (vs. CLE)

Tier 4

T.J. Hockenson (@ TEN)

Kyle Pitts (@ DEN)

Jake Ferguson (vs. HOU)

Mark Andrews (@ PIT)

Hunter Henry (vs. LAR)

Tier 5

Will Dissly (vs. CIN)

Mike Gesicki (@ LAC)

Tucker Kraft (@ CHI)

Zach Ertz (@ PHI)

Dallas Goedert (vs. WAS)

Jonnu Smith (vs. LV)

Tier 6

Dalton Schultz (@ DAL)

Dawson Knox (vs. KC)

Pat Freiermuth (vs. BAL)

AJ Barner (@ SF)

Juwan Johnson (vs. CLE)

Cole Kmet (vs. GB)

Tyler Conklin (vs. IND)

Tier 7

Isaiah Likely (@ PIT)

Davis Allen (@ NE)

Brock Wright (vs. JAX)

Chigoziem Okonkwo (vs. MIN)

Noah Gray (@ BUF)

Tier 8

Austin Hooper (vs. LAR)

Darnell Washington (vs. BAL)

Foster Moreau (vs. CLE)

Tanner Hudson (@ LAC)

Josh Oliver (@ TEN)

Josh Whyle (vs. MIN)

Taysom Hill is fully healthy and back to his usual role, but now with an added boost in receiving usage. He even had an 88-yard catch-and-run TD called back last week, so his production could’ve been even bigger. He’s a top-5 TE this week with that unique skill set, and while he’s high-variance, he’s worth the gamble at a position that’s consistently low-scoring and unpredictable.

Dalton Kincaid and Sam LaPorta are shaping up to be game-time decisions. If Kincaid is out, Dawson Knox becomes a solid streaming option, especially with Keon Coleman and possibly Amari Cooper out.

Mark Andrews should remain a top-10 TE if Isaiah Likely sits out again. Even if Likely plays but isn’t fully healthy, Andrews could still hold TE1 value. Keep an eye on his final status for more clarity.

T.J. Hockenson should see his snap count climb and return to top-5 levels of usage. However, Josh Oliver has been seeing enough playing time and target share that could cap Hockenson’s ceiling as an every-week top-5 option if it continues.

Will Dissly has quietly become the lead TE for the Chargers, maintaining a 70% route rate over the last four games with a 27% target rate on those routes. He’s recorded 4+ catches in four of his last five games, making him a sneaky streaming pick this week.

As I noted in my Colby Parkinson under on MNF, Davis Allen appears to have taken over as the lead TE for the Rams. While it’s unclear if this usage will hold, the potential return of Tyler Higbee further diminishes Parkinson’s outlook. For those interested, my breakdown of Parkinson’s prop is a good look into my projections process—I highly recommend it if you’re into that level of detail.

Kicker Tiers

Last updated 2:30 PM ET Saturday, Nov. 16.

Tier 1

Justin Tucker (@ PIT)

Jake Moody (vs. SEA)

Ka’imi Fairbairn (@ DAL)

Jake Bates (vs. JAX)

Wil Lutz (vs. ATL)

Evan McPherson (@ LAC)

Tier 2

Chris Boswell (vs. BAL)

Cameron Dicker (vs. CIN)

Blake Grupe (vs. CLE)

Dustin Hopkins (@ NO)

Younghoe Koo (@ DEN)

Jason Sanders (vs. LV)

Anders Carlson (vs. IND)

Jake Elliott (vs. WAS)

John Parker Romo (@ TEN)

Tier 3

Matt Gay (@ NYJ)

Jason Myers (@ SF)

Daniel Carlson (@ MIA)

Joshua Karty (@ NE)

Brandon Aubrey (vs. HOU)

Brandon McManus (@ CHI)

Joey Slye (vs. LAR)

Tyler Bass (vs. KC)

Spencer Shrader (@ BUF)

Zane Gonzalez (@ PHI)

Cairo Santos (vs. GB)

Tier 4

Nick Folk (vs. MIN)

Cam Little (@ DET)

Defensive Tiers

Last updated 2:30 PM ET Saturday, Nov. 16.

Tier 1

Minnesota Vikings (@ TEN)

Green Bay Packers (@ CHI)

Detroit Lions (vs. JAX)

Tier 2

Houston Texans (@ DAL)

New York Jets (vs. IND)

Miami Dolphins (vs. LV)

Los Angeles Rams (@ NE)

Tier 3

New Orleans Saints (vs. CLE)

Denver Broncos (vs. ATL)

San Francisco 49ers (vs. SEA)

Buffalo Bills (vs. KC)

Philadelphia Eagles (vs. WAS)

Tier 4

Cleveland Browns (@ NO)

Baltimore Ravens (@ PIT)

Dallas Cowboys (vs. HOU)

Chicago Bears (vs. GB)

Los Angeles Chargers (vs. CIN)

Tennessee Titans (vs. MIN)

New England Patriots (vs. LAR)

Indianapolis Colts (@ NYJ)

Tier 5

Kansas City Chiefs (@ BUF)

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. BAL)

Cincinnati Bengals (@ LAC)

Atlanta Falcons (@ DEN)

Las Vegas Raiders (@ MIA)

Tier 6

Washington Commanders (@ PHI)

Seattle Seahawks (@ SF)

Tier 7

Jacksonville Jaguars (@ DET)