We are just past the midway point of the 2022 fantasy football season. With bye weeks upon us and injuries still rearing their ugly heads, decisions continue to be difficult. Let’s take a look at our WR start/sit Week 11 plays, which include JuJu Smith-Schuster and Joshua Palmer. Be sure to also check out our full Week 11 wide receiver rankings.
Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals (at PIT)
I feel like Tyler Boyd doesn’t get enough respect. He’s averaging 13.1 PPR fantasy points per game and has finished inside the top 36 wide receivers in four straight games.
Ironically, Boyd has actually averaged 3.7 ppg fewer in his two games without Ja’Marr Chase than he did when Chase was active. However, it seems kind of random, as his targets per game remained the same. It’s also only a two-game sample size.
Boyd still likely has another couple of games without Chase. At the very least, we know for sure he’s got this one against the Steelers.
MORE: Week 11 Fantasy Football Rest-of-Season Rankings
The Steelers allow the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. A whopping 72% of their total receiving yards allowed comes from wideouts.
Boyd had four receptions on seven targets for 33 yards and a touchdown when these teams met back in Week 1. That was a long time ago. While Boyd did score, he wasn’t particularly efficient or effective. This week, I expect the Bengals to come out firing as they look to exact their revenge on the Steelers.
The Bengals have the highest neutral-game-script pass rate in the NFL at a very nice 69%. They also play at the 10th-fastest pace. Everything points to a pass-heavy game plan that features a ton of Tee Higgins and Boyd. Start the Bengals’ WR2 this week.
Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears (at ATL)
After Week 3, Darnell Mooney was dropped in several fantasy leagues. And rightfully so. He had scored 6.7 PPR fantasy points total. Since then, however, Mooney has actually been quite useful and has scored at least 12 fantasy points in four of his last seven.
Justin Fields has been playing out of his mind for over a month now. While most of that has come by rushing, Mooney remains his clear WR1 with a 28.6% target share. If there were ever a week for Fields to air it out a little more, it’s this one.
The Falcons allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Opposing WRs are racking up over 200 yards per game against them. Even if the Bears maintain their league-leading 57% neutral-game-script run rate, Mooney has a great shot to be efficient on limited targeting this week. I think he’s a good bet to find the end zone for just the second time this season. Start him.
Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (vs. PHI)
It really pains me to have to fade Michael Pittman Jr. He was one of “my guys” this season. It hasn’t been a total disaster, but he certainly hasn’t come close to being the WR1 I thought he’d be.
Pittman is still averaging 13.9 ppg and has been a mid-WR2. Matt Ryan’s return last week keeps Pittman startable, but this is a really bad spot for him against the Eagles.
The Eagles allow the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Terry McLaurin found success against Philadelphia last week, but much of that was on downfield throws. Despite Pittman’s status as the clear WR1 for the Colts, his average depth of target remains a paltry 6.4, and he’s seeing just 27.6% of his team’s air yards.
Pittman operating exclusively near the line of scrimmage is why I’m constantly recommending his receiving yards lower on Underdog Fantasy. He’s the type of receiver who can rack up 6-7 catches and still not get to 50 yards.
While 6 receptions for 50 yards is usable in fantasy, we really need better efficiency. It could still come, but probably not against the Eagles this week. I don’t know if you can necessarily sit Pittman, but temper expectations for sure.
Allen Robinson II, Los Angeles Rams (at NO)
I’m sure most of you have been benching Allen Robinson II for months now. But the reason I feel compelled to include him this week is Cooper Kupp’s injury. With Kupp out, ARob is technically the WR1. That fact may compel fantasy managers to reinsert him into lineups on the theory of, “Well, there’s no one else.”
I must implore you to not start Robinson. The man is averaging just 7.8 ppg. His single-game high in receiving yards is 63. Last week, he saw six targets, catching four for 44 yards.
Meanwhile, Ben Skowronek saw seven targets, and I actually think he’ll be the one to “inherit” the Kupp role. I put “inherit” in quotes because no one is actually taking over Kupp’s role. Instead, this already broken offense will just be even worse.
MORE: Is Van Jefferson or Ben Skowronek a Waiver Wire Add in Week 11?
The real beneficiary will likely be Tyler Higbee. However, the answer to who takes on Kupp’s targets is probably no one. We also don’t know if Matthew Stafford will be able to return this week as he continues to work his way through the concussion protocol. If John Wolford has to make another start, all bets are off.
I would be remiss to not at least mention the opponent here. The Saints are a middling matchup for wide receivers, allowing the 14th-most points to the position. But without Kupp, Robinson is probably getting Marshon Lattimore. Don’t chase perceived volume on an unproductive player.
