In Week 11 we saw the reemergence of some familiar faces as top fantasy scorers. Here you see the best matchups as well as who are the top starts.
Linebacker
Rankings
- Darius Leonard– 104 Tackles (68 solo), 8 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 1 interception, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries. Matchup: Miami Dolphins (Give up the 26th most points to linebackers)
- Leighton Vander Esch– 84 Tackles (65 solo), 2 tackles for a loss, 6 pass deflections, 2 interceptions. Matchup: Washington Redskins (Give up the 28th most points to linebackers)
- Luke Kuechly– 83 Tackles (64 solo), 13 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception. Matchup: Seattle Seahawks (Give up the 6th most points to linebackers)
- Telvin Smith– 79 Tackles (59 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 pass defensed, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble. Matchup: Buffalo Bills (Give up the most points to linebackers)
- Mason Foster– 89 Tackles (57 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception, 2 fumble recoveries. Matchup: Dallas Cowboys (Give up the 10th most points to linebackers)
- Tremaine Edmunds– 70 Tackles (49 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 7 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles. Matchup: Jacksonville Jaguars (Give up the 9th most points to linebackers)
- Kiko Alonso– 89 Tackles (56 solo), 6 passes defensed, 3 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Indianapolis Colts (Give up the 18th most points to linebackers)
- Wesley Woodyard– 65 Tackles (46 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 pass defensed, 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Houston Texans (Give up the 16th most points to linebackers)
- Roquan Smith– 70 Tackles (54 solo), 5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 2 passes defensed. Matchup : Detroit Lions (Give up the 8th most points to linebackers)
- Jatavis Brown– 53 Tackles (38 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble. Matchup: Arizona Cardinals (Give up the 17th most points to linebackers)
Whose on Top
Darius Leonard tops the list again for me. When Clayton Geathers plays in the secondary the Colts do not need to be worried about missing tackles at the second level. Because of this the Colts are more aggressive in the way they use Darius Leonard. Leonard is a very good blitzer which he showed again this week grabbing his 5th sack of the season.
The one knock some people had on Leonard was his coverage skills. He may have put that to rest this week coming up with a pass defensed and interception this week. Granted it’s Blaine Gabbert but he spied the QB great here for his 1st career pick:
https://twitter.com/RPOpod/status/1064245084269539328
The Other Rookies
Rookie linebackers have made quite an impression this year in the NFL. Leonard being my top start this week is one, but I also have rookies in my #2, #5, and #9 spots of my top starts this week. Leighton Vander Esch is a monster every time he starts and for the second week in a row he showed the Cowboys why it’s his job now. Sean Lee should not remove him if he is able to return this season.
In the past two starts filling in for Lee, Vander Esch has produced 21 tackles (17 solo), 1 tackle for a loss, 4 passes defensed and 2 interceptions. He also get the Redskins this week who are now without Alex Smith. There should be a high run rate and intermediate pass game volume for the Skins with noodle arm McCoy starting. Put an offensive lineman in front of him and he will tackle the ball carrier through him:
Don't even bother trying to block Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch because he will just tackle you and the ball carrier at the same time#DALvsATL | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/7IeuHCr0q7
— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) November 18, 2018
Tremaine Edmunds has a good matchup against the Jags who are back to their run heavy ways with Leonard Fournette back. There is also the possibility with how poorly Bortles is playing that Edmunds can come up with a sack or interception in this one.
To round out the rookies we have Roquan Smith. Smith has really picked up his game as of late after a slower start to the season. He did miss most of camp with a holdout so that could be a big reason as to why. In his last 5 games he racked up 39 tackles (33 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks and a pass defensed.
To go along with his good recent numbers he gets the Lions this week. They give up the 8th most points to linebackers so far this year. Matt Stafford felt the pressure of Smith Week 10:
That drive is OVA! Courtesy of @RoquanSmith.#DETvsCHI | #DaBears https://t.co/3u41wSMJ0v
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 11, 2018
Who Is That Guy?
Mason Foster is the best linebacker that nobody ever talks about. Year after year he plays solid football. Ever since his days with the Bucs he has performed well. He is a tackling machine and gets to face Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott twice a year.
Between those two getting 20 rushes per game it gives him a good chance to get chunks of tackles. Foster gets to face Elliott and the Cowboys this week in a plus matchup for Foster who has 47 combined tackles his last 5 games. He was even able to come up with an interception last week:
Watson was hit as he threw, causing ball to float more than he would have liked. Josh Harvey-Clemons shows off his athleticism and length, getting the tip on the ball that Mason Foster manages to intercept #Redskins pic.twitter.com/uQ7J5HaDwR
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) November 18, 2018
Defensive Back
Rankings
- Shawn Williams– 67 Tackles (46 solo), 1 sack, 6 passes defensed, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble. Matchup: Cleveland Browns (Give up the 5th most points to safeties)
- Ha Ha Clinton Dix- 55 Tackles (48 solo), 1 tackle for a loss, 1 sack, 4 passes defensed, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Dallas Cowboys (Give up the 14th most points to safeties)
- Landon Collins– 82 Tackles (56 solo), 2 tackles for a loss, 4 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble. Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles (Give up the 6th most points to safeties)
- Kareem Jackson– 60 Tackles (49 solo), 5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 11 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Tennessee Titans (Give up 12th most points to safeties and 32nd most points to cornerbacks)
- Tyrann Mathieu– 61 Tackles (52 solo), 4 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Tennessee Titans (Give up the 12th most points to safeties)
- Jamal Adams– 67 Tackles (50 solo), 8 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 9 passes defensed, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles. Matchup: New England Patriots (Give up the 24th most points to safeties)
- Derwin James– 71 Tackles ( 49 solo), 4 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, 7 passes defensed, 1 interception. Matchup: Arizona Cardinals (Give up the 23rd most points to safeties)
- Harrison Smith– 55 Tackles (44 solo), 6 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries. Matchup: Green Bay Packers (Give up the 27th most point to safeties)
- Jordan Whitehead– 43 Tackles (33 solo), 3 tackles for a loss. Matchup: San Francisco 49ers (Give up the 4th most points to safeties)
- Justin Reid– 52 Tackles (42 solo), 7 passes defensed, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 1 Touchdown. Matchup: Tennessee Titans (Give up the 12th most points to safeties)
Whose on Top
Shawn Williams has been playing out of his mind recently. He has been scoring in all facets of IDP fantasy scoring. In his last 4 games he has amassed 42 tackles (30 solo), 4 passes defensed and 3 interceptions. Because of these performances he now is red hot and is the top fantasy scorer for the Bengals.
Williams gets the Browns Week 12 who have given up the 5th most points to safeties this season. He welcomed rookie Lamar Jackson to the league with this pick:
https://twitter.com/FirstDownFR/status/1064246102134796289
Is He a Corner or Safety?
Watch any Texans game and you see Kareem Jackson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Justin Reid lined up in multiple positions. All 3 have played safety and corner. Because of each player’s versatility all have been able to be productive fantasy players. Look at this amazing play by Jackson in coverage followed by Mathieu’s sack on a beautiful blitz:
Kareem Jackson read your screen; didn't care for it. pic.twitter.com/6QmUF5Rszr
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) November 18, 2018
Will have more tomorrow but have to show this one. Tyrann Mathieu sets this up so well. Makes it look like he is coming off the edge then hits that second gear folding under Clowney for the sack. The back has zero chance vs TM. #Texans pic.twitter.com/JbXDrblrHB
— patrick (@PatDStat) November 20, 2018
Kareem Jackson and Tyrann Mathieu most notably but Justin Reid is moving his way up the list. In Reid’s last 3 games he has 24 tackles (19 solo), 4 passes defensed, 2 interceptions and a 101 yard Touchdown. All three players are on the field at least 96% of the time and all 3 can be started.
To boot they might face Blaine Gabbert this week who threw an interception right into the chest of Darius Leonard. Not to be outdone by his safety running mates, Reid topped them all:
Justin Reid is literally 💯 with the 101-yard pick-six (Via @NFL) https://t.co/OtNcFQcyvd
— USA TODAY NFL (@usatodaynfl) November 18, 2018
There’s Nobody Else
Jordan Whitehead makes this list because there is literally nobody else left on the team to make plays. Justin Evans was still seen in a walking boot Monday and is uncertain for Week 12. They play the 49ers this week who give up the 4th most points to safeties this season. The Bucs are also without starting interior linebackers Kwon Alexander and Lavante David.
Defensive Line
Rankings
- J.J. Watt– 36 Tackles (28 solo), 12 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles. Matchup: Tennessee Titans (Give up the 6th most points to DE’s)
- Khalil Mack– 27 Tackles (22 solo), 6 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 1 interception, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 Touchdown. Matchup: Detroit Lions (Give up the 8th most points to DE’s)
- Demarcus Lawrence– 44 Tackles (30 solo), 13 tackles for a loss, 8 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Washington Redskins (Give up the 17th most points to DE’s)
- Myles Garrett– 28 Tackles (23 solo), 7 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles. Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals (Give up the 15th most points to DE’s)
- Bradley Chubb– 37 tackles (26 solo), 11 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks, 1 pass defensed, 1 forced fumble. Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers (Give up the 18th most points to DE’s)
- Jason Pierre-Paul– 34 Tackles (27 solo), 10 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble. Matchup: San Francisco 49ers (Give up the 19th most points to DE’s)
- Chandler Jones– 32 Tackles (25 solo), 9 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, 4 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers (Give up the 30th most points to DE’s)
- Kenny Clark– 44 Tackles (30 solo), 7 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 2 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery. Matchup: Minnesota Vikings (Give up the most points to DT’s)
- Akiem Hicks– 35 Tackles (25 solo), 9 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles. Matchup: Detroit Lions (Give up the 15th most points to DT’s)
- Cameron Jordan– 26 Tackles (20 solo), 10 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 4 passes defensed. Matchup: Atlanta Falcons (Give up the 9th most points to DE’s)
Whose on Top
J.J. Watt will be near the top of this list almost any matchup. He is a nightmare to block and this week gets to pick on the Titans. Their offensive line has given up a sack 10.6% of the time. This week it may be Blaine Gabbert who is unfortunately inept in his own right. Watt should be able to blast threw this line with ease and cause a commotion in the backfield. Watch Watt close on Smith for his 10th sack:
Relentless.
10th sack of the season for @JJWatt.#HOUvsWAS pic.twitter.com/03AXTUdUz7
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 18, 2018
Mack is Back
Khalil Mack is officially back. He played in two games injured and missed an additional two following. Since Mack’s return he has been unstoppable. Between these two games he has 7 tackles (6 solo), 3 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, 1 pass defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery. In week 9 alone he had 5 tackles , 2 for a loss and 2 sacks. That was against the Detroit Lions…oh and he plays them again this week. Expect the sack streak to continue for Khalil Mack. Plain and simple, Mack is a beast:
Khalil just tossed a 320-pound man with one arm. 😳😳😳 @52Mack_ https://t.co/tIpnktpQ7Y
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 19, 2018
You Can Bet on Demarcus
Demarcus Lawrence should be able to come out of this week with a sack and multiple tackles for a loss. Lawrence plays the run on the outside amazingly. He has accumulated an impressive 13 tackles for a loss in 10 games. The Week 12 opponent for Lawrence is the Redskins who will be without Alex Smith after his gruesome injury.
This leaves them with noodle arm Colt McCoy who Lawrence should have no problem getting too. Because of Smith’s absence it also means that the Skins should run Peterson like a dog. Expect Lawrence to meet him behind the line of scrimmage.
Those are my predictions for the top 10 performers at each position. Each week there seems to be some new faces on the list. Tune in next week to see who tops it for Week 13.
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