Week 11 of the fantasy football season is here, and the waiver wire has run for many leagues. With options getting thinned out as we near the playoffs, let’s take a look to see if there is anyone still available that could be added to boost fantasy teams. One potential option for fantasy managers is Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Let’s examine whether you should add the playmaker against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11.
Should You Add Donovan Peoples-Jones for Week 11?
One of the major question marks for the Browns’ 2022 season was the No. 2 receiver job. While it was clear Peoples-Jones was the favorite to win the role, it wasn’t clear if he’d be able to keep it or if he’d be especially productive. For as much has gone wrong in 2022 for the Browns, Peoples-Jones has been a hit and looks like a long-term contributor for the next few years.
Ranking 28th in receiving yards, Peoples-Jones is one of two receivers in the top 36 in yards with fewer than 37 receptions. He’s a blossoming big-play threat for an offense relying far too much on a backup quarterback. It’s easy to envision Peoples-Jones playing even better once Deshaun Watson is under center.
The 23-year-old is only WR46 on the season despite his impressive accomplishments. He’s yet to find the end zone, causing fantasy managers to be skeptical about rostering him. He’s available in 65% of Yahoo and 22% of ESPN leagues.
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Some of his fantasy struggles come down to opportunities. With only six targets in the red zone on the season, he’s had to be highly efficient to improve his value. But he’s caught only one pass, which isn’t a surprise since Brissett’s lack of timing and accuracy have put him into a backup role for his career.
Despite the occasional big play, Peoples-Jones hasn’t found the end zone yet this year. However, he has posted four straight games of 71 or more yards and has reached that total in five of six games. Week 10 against Miami was his best yet, notching five receptions for 99 yards.
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The speedy 6’2″, 204-pounder is a major threat on intermediate and deep routes. He’s seen his market share waver a bit, but he’s been incredibly efficient outside of the red zone. He’s caught 19 of his last 24 targets since Week 6.
While Brissett is still the guy for the Browns until Week 13, Peoples-Jones has value for the rest of the season. Some touchdown regression would give him a massive boost in time for fantasy playoffs. I think he’s a solid pickup for needy rosters.
Is Donovan Peoples-Jones a Good Play Against Buffalo?
For as good as the Bills’ defense has been at times this season, they’re a unit dealing with injuries that have left them closer to average in recent weeks. Neither Amari Cooper nor Peoples-Jones should have a chance to replicate the absurd 10-reception, 194-yard game Justin Jefferson had last week, but Peoples-Jones can make the most out of a handful of targets.
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The Bills are giving up an average of 12.2 receptions for 157.8 yards and 0.78 touchdowns per game to receivers. I expect Buffalo to take out some of their frustrations on Cleveland, meaning Brissett may need to throw more than the Browns would like once again. This same scenario played out last week when Peoples-Jones had 99 yards.
That being said, I view Peoples-Jones as a lower-end play against Buffalo. The weather is not expected to be good, meaning it’s a Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt week if Cleveland can at all help it. This won’t be a game of significant volume for Peoples-Jones, and it’s impossible to project a touchdown for a player who has not scored one this year.
