As Week 11 arrives, we are right in the heart of the fantasy season. Our decisions are never more critical than they are right now. One wrong decision in the middle of the season can be the difference between missing or making the playoffs. Crossing the Streams is here to help!
This article aims to help you with those tough decisions at kicker and D/ST. For this column, I will avoid any options ranked inside the top 12 by Fantasy Pros ECR. Those options are easy calls and are unlikely to be helpful. I’m going to look into the deeper options to help those hampered by matchup or bye-week issues.
Defences/Special Teams (Start’em)
Detroit Lions vs. CHI
The Lions currently rank as DST21 and have been inconsistent at best this season. One week they look like an elite squad and the next they look awful. This week they face a Bears offence that allows 10.9 fantasy points per game to opposing DSTs. That’s the 3rd most in the NFL. Detroit has 37 tackles, 21 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 8 interceptions and 1 touchdown this season.
Houston Texans vs. ARI
The Texans currently rank as DST19 and have been far better on offence than they have on defence. This week they get a matchup with a Cardinals offence that is almost as bad as their defence. The Cardinals are allowing 8.0 fantasy points per game to opposing DSTs, the 10th most in the NFL. Houston has 47 tackles, 21 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, 6 interceptions and 0 touchdowns this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. TEN
The Jaguars currently rank as DST15 and have been a major disappointment this season in a surprisingly competitive AFC South. This week they get a matchup with a Titans offence that has struggled mightily over the past two weeks behind rookie quarterback Will Levis. The Jaguars are allowing 7.8 fantasy points per game to opposing DSTs, the 12th most in the NFL. Jacksonville has 35 tackles, 18 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, 11 interceptions and 2 touchdowns this season.
Miami Dolphins vs. LV
The Dolphins currently rank as DST22 and have relied more on their high-flying offence to win games than their defence. This week they get a matchup with a Raiders offence that is nothing short of terrible with rookie Aidan O’Connell starting at quarterback. The Raiders are allowing 8.5 fantasy points per game to opposing DSTs, the 9th most in the NFL. Miami has 43 tackles, 29 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown this season.
Kickers (Start’em)
Greg Joseph, MIN vs. DEN
Joseph has been below average this season and has struggled along with his banged-up Vikings teammates. He currently ranks as PK22 on the season and is stagnant in the rankings. He faces the Broncos this week who have been the 10th best matchup for opposing kicker. The Broncos are allowing 9.0 fantasy points per game. Joseph is 15 for 20 on field goals, 24 for 26 on extra points and has added in 2 field goals from 40+ yards, and 3 from 50+ yards.
Matt Amendola, HOU vs. ARI
Amendola hit a game-winning walk-off kick in his first start in relief of injured Kai Fairbairn. He currently ranks as PK33 and has huge potential. Amendola faces the Cardinals this week who have been the 11th best matchup for opposing kicker. The Cardinals are allowing 9.0 fantasy points per game. He is 3 for 3 on field goals, 3 for 3 on extra points and has added in 1 field goal from 40+ yards, and 0 from 50+ yards.
Cameron Dicker, LAC vs. GB
Dicker has been just on the outside of the top-10 kicker for much of the season. He has been solid but can’t seem to get over the hump into the elites. He currently ranks as PK14 and his ranking reflects his borderline status. Dicker faces the Packers this week who have been the 14th best matchup for opposing kickers. The Packers are allowing 8.8 fantasy points per game. He is 14 for 15 on field goals, 27 for 27 on extra points and has added in 3 field goals from 40+ yards, and 4 from 50+ yards.
Brandon McManus, JAC vs. TEN
McManus has excellent and had it not been for the struggles of the Jaguars offence he could be truly elite. He currently ranks as PK22 and his ranking reflects his little upside. McManus faces the Titanss this week who have been the 3rd best matchup for opposing kickers. The Titans are allowing 10.7 fantasy points per game. He is 18 for 20 on field goals, 18 for 18 on extra points and has added in 7 field goals from 40+ yards, and 4 from 50+ yards.
Week 10 Report Card
For the purposes of this article, I think it is fair to set the line at 8.0 fantasy points. Any total of 8.0 or higher will be deemed a hit, and a total of 7.9 and lower will be called a miss.
D/ST (3 hits, 1 miss)
Carolina Panther- 17.60 points HIT
Chicago Bears- 10.60 points HIT
Indianapolis Colts- 21.30 points HIT
Atlanta Falcons- 4.80 points MISS
Kickers (4 hits, 0 misses)
Eddy Pineiro- 8.20 points HIT
Chase McLaughlin- 8.10 points HIT
Matt Gay- 8.70 points HIT
Greg Joseph- 10.30 points HIT
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