Honorable mention Starts: Drake London (ATL), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), George Pickens (PIT)
Honorable mention Sits: Jerry Jeudy (CLE), Josh Downs (IND), DeAndre Hopkins (KC)
Start: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
A touchdown in seven straight games? WHAT? Yep. And I’m on record saying he’s in a fantastic spot to make it eight. The Jaguars have been one of the most generous teams to WRs all season, and the Lions’ pass-catchers will be the beneficiaries in Week 11. Goff has alternated three-game stretches over the last six games, with the past three being atrocious. He threw five interceptions Sunday against the Texans, which is more than he’d thrown all season long up to that point. Here’s betting this is a get-right game for Goff, and St. Brown – who has an 86.3 matchup score on the week – will take advantage.
Start: Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
Mannnnnn does Matt Stafford love him some Puka. And because Matt loves him, we love him. The proof is in the Hamburger Helper. Throw out the Seattle game (early ejection), and Nacua has 23 targets, 16 receptions, and 204 yards in those other two games since returning from IR. No touchdowns, mind you, but we’re buying the volume here. Nacua is a chain-mover and, as such, will live in the 10-target range ROS. Kupp’s numbers are similar, so it’s really dealer’s choice on a week-to-week basis. The Patriots – believe it or not – have a decent secondary, and PFF doesn’t love Nacua’s matchups this week. But if Stafford is cooking, Nacua is eating.
Sit: D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears
Being a Bears fan is generally difficult. This season – after the buildup – has been brutal. The image of DJ walking off the field mid-play against the Cardinals is something I can’t unsee, and I won’t shake it until he shows me something. This offense is in such a state of flux, culminating in the firing of Shane Waldron this week. While I never root for anyone to lose their job, it was evident a change was necessary. And hell, maybe this rallies the troops and we see an inspired performance. But with a new play-caller (who also has a not-so-great recent track record) and a locker room asking for a change at the QB position, there is too much chaos around this offense. Two words come to mind – dumpster fire. Until they figure it out, stay away.
Sit: Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
Opposite Moore this week is Jayden Reed, who’s been quite good. Operating primarily out of the slot (80% of routes), he’s worked himself into WR8 on the season. Yes, he’s a much better best-ball play due to glaring inconsistency, but we love the explosive production, huh? I mention slot participation as it is what concerns me this week. The Bears primary slot defender is Kyler Gordon – who is really good in that role. Actually, the Bears have defended the slot well all season, which doesn’t bode well for any Packers receiver. Pass-catchers have had a rough go of it against the Bears this season (they rank second against the position), and I expect more of the same Sunday in Chicago.
