Dark Horses - Week 11

 


WAS at MIA

Malik Washington - The Commanders defense has more opening day starters out than they have playing in this one. Tua appears to have caught some rhythm. Jaylen Waddle is the play of the week but Washington is primed for a big stat day.



CIN at PIT

Calvin Austin - The Bengals boast one of the most offense friendly defenses in the NFL. Last meeting, Austin was not available and the pass game went through the tight ends. While good chance Arthur Smith leans on the tight ends again, Austin sees a lot of snaps and the Steelers likely to pass a ton.



LAC at JAC

Keenan Allen - Might be a surprise appearance on this list considering how the season started. But since week 4 has just 1 game over 58 yards and that was also the only game he scored since the opening stretch. Jags are shaky in the middle were Orande Gadsden is already an excellent play this weekend. Allen should join him.




TB at BUF

Sean Tucker - Bucky Irving will miss another game this week which means the Rachaad White and Tucker duo will man the Tampa Bay run game once again. The Bills have been one of the worst run defenses this season & gave up over 200 yards to Devon Achane last week. If Tucker gets volume, he will have a big day. 




CHI at MIN

JJ McCarthy - He has just 1 game with more than 158 yards passing and more INTs than TDs but he is due for a big game. Enter the Bears, who rank 30th against opposing QBs and they are also without several key defenders including Jalen Johnson who is one of the best corners in the game. 



HOU vs TEN

Jayden Higgins - He has taken over as the WR2 in the Texans offense. He scored the lat time he faced the Titans and has scored in 2 of the last 3 games. The matchup favors the Texans offense even with Mills under center as Stroud remains in concussion protocol.  



CAR at ATL

Kyle Pitts - It’s a tough tight end week with byes and injuries. Consider Pitts a viable option. His up and down career consistent with his up and down season. Back to back weeks of 38 yards, he’s poised for a big game. The Falcons are ready for payback after an embarassing 30-0 loss last meeting. Panthers boast one of the better defenses against opposing WRs so expect Michael Penix to lean on Pitts in this game. 




GB at NYG

Dontavion Wicks - Jayden Reed is still out and Matthew Golden expected to miss another game. While Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are atop the depth chart, Jordan Love spreads the ball around and the Giants are one of the most favorable to WRs, giving up 165 yards and a TD a game to the position. 




SEA vs LAR

Terrance Ferguson - The Rams had a plan for the rookie when they took him with the 46th overall pick this year. He’s a highly athletic TE capable of big plays when given the chance. For as good as the Seahawks are on defense they have shown vulnerability to the tight end.  Ferg’s best game as a pro could be on tap. 




SF at AZ

Brian Robinson - The 49ers offense is all about Christian McCaffrey but that hasn’t stopped BRob from making the most of his limited role, scoring in consecutive games. Facing a Cardinals defense that has given up 7 rushing scores in the last 6 games, Robinson has a shot for his 3rd touchdown in as many weeks. 




BAL at CLE

Keaton Mitchell - Sadly Derrick Henry is no longer a featured runner. Justice Hill has been the primary backup for Henry but he has been ruled out. The Ravens continue to coach speak about getting Mitchell more touches. It’s not the best matchup on paper but hey, that’s what makes him a dark horse!




KC at DEN

Jaleel McLaughlin - The Broncos got terrible news about JK Dobbins, who will miss the remainder of the year. RJ Harvey is expected to take over as the lead runner but McLaughlin will see touches in a likely change of pace role. Not a great matchup by the numbers, McLaughlin could surprise on pass downs or even around the goal line.



DET at PHI

Brock Wright - Sam LaPorta ends up on IR and Wright is next man up. Wright isn’t the offensive threat that LaPorta is but does have red zone target appeal.  The Eagles are actually one of the better defenses against opposing tight ends but the Lions have a history of ingenuity and a score just might be in store for Wright. 




DAL at LV

Donte Thornton - The Cowboys rank dead last against the pass so a great team to play your wide receivers.  Tre Tucker and Tyler Lockett are gracing many sleeper lists this week but don’t discount the rookie. Thornton’s snap share the last 2 weeks has been solid and his big play skillset lends itself to  a break out game on Monday night. 




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