Oh baby! Week 10 came and went faster than a one-hit wonder from back in the day—you know the one I’m talking about. Anyway, we saw a team play with remarkable determination and grit, coming back to win their game on the road, Texans fans will be talking about this one for a long time. Meanwhile, another team traveled to the desert and was completely burned on the field. Regardless, Week 10 did not disappoint. For some reason, I have a feeling Week 11 will be just as exciting. We have a great matchup scheduled for Thursday night, and who can forget the showdown in New Orleans, where Jameis Winston will be attempting to “eat a W” in the Big Easy.
Last week we discussed two players expected to have favorable matchups and could assist in the return game. Unfortunately Ihmir Smith-Marsette and the Giants’ offense managed to score only 17 points against a team allowing over 33 points per game. This experience has reminded me to avoid recommending any Giants players in fantasy football, except for Tyrone Tracy. Jha’Quan Jackson had his second-worst game of the season, finishing with only 5.4 points. This week we’ll get you back on track. Here are some players in Week 11 who can help boost your return game.
Pierre Strong
This presents an opportunity to discuss Jameis Winston’s return to New Orleans his pregame speech should be must see TV. Winston’s teammate Pierre Strong needs to be considered at least this week and here’s why: The Saints are a team to target in the Scott Fish Bowl (SFB14) or any league that rewards points for return yards. Strong had an impressive performance against the Commanders in Week 5, accumulating 124 return yards and scoring over 20 points in SFB14. The Saints allow the second-most return yards in the league, totaling 1,004, while the Commanders lead in that category. This creates a favorable matchup for Strong, as he could potentially score additional points through returns against a weak Saints special teams unit. Currently, he is rostered in 0% of Sleeper leagues, making him a strong candidate to help you earn return points this week.
Keaton Mitchell
Usually, when you see the Steelers scheduled to play against one of your fantasy players, you tend to look for alternatives. Last week Keaton Mitchell made his 2024 debut for the Ravens. He showed some flashes in 2023 before suffering an ACL injury, and his performance last week was minimal. When John Harbaugh answered a reporter’s question about the Ravens’ backfield, he mentioned, “I do see a little bit of a three-headed monster there potentially.” That comment made me roll my eyes; it doesn’t inspire much confidence! Derrick Henry’s supporters shouldn’t be too alarmed, but it’s reasonable to expect a slight reduction in his touches moving forward. The Ravens will rely more on Henry for the NFL playoffs, which could mean increased opportunities for Mitchell and Hill until mid-January. In Week 11, the Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh in what promises to be a must-watch game. Over their last three games, the Steelers have allowed an average of over four returns per game and have given up 86 return yards per game. In SFB 14, that translates to about 17.2 points. In Week 10 Austin Ekeler accumulated 118 return yards. Currently, Mitchell is only 12% rostered, making him a worthwhile stash. Even a potential play, if like many of us in SFB 14 you’re looking for a player who can contribute return yards.
