Fantasy Football Week 11: Top 5 quarterbacks to start

Heading into Week 11 of fantasy football, some top quarterbacks are coming off a bye, certain to look sharp and ready. For those who are not so lucky to have one of these guys, fear not as there are always options on the waiver wire.

Week 11 is going to be a great week for many fantasy football quarterbacks. Some top quarterbacks will be fresh and ready coming off of byes, whereas others are going into some must-start matchups.

While this is great for some owners, others may find themselves in a tough spot in selecting a quarterback. Luckily, for this reason, we have the waiver wire, where there will always be a viable option; the hard part is finding it.

Luckily for all and any fantasy football owners, you should be able to find a viable quarterback option no matter what your league looks like. Even a bad quarterback can put up decent numbers against a weak defense.

Even guys like Jay Cutler, who should almost never be starting in fantasy, will put up the occasional big game. The point here is to never totally count anybody out. Hence my number five quarterbacks for Week 11, who will be your best option if you need to hit the waiver wire.

Next: 5. He's the best option on waivers this week

5. Blake Bortles vs. Browns

Heading into Week 11, Blake Bortles should be considered the top waiver wire sleeper if you’re in need of a quarterback. Bortles is available in about 77 percent of ESPN leagues.

It’s no surprise that Bortles isn’t owned in many leagues. Quarterback play is widely regarded as the Jaguars most glaring weakness. While Bortles has been anything but consistent this year, nearly giving the game away last week, his fantasy numbers have been decent in his past three games.

Bortles has scored just over 16 points in his past three games despite only throwing one touchdown in each. While the injury to their top receiver Allen Hurns will be a crucial blow, we can expect Dede Westbrook to step up in his place. If there’s any matchup to help Bortles and Westbrook get going, it’s their matchup against the Browns.

The Browns have had one of the worst passing defenses in the league this year. They currently allow the 7th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Leonard Fournette is listed as questionable with a nagging ankle injury, which could make Jacksonville more dependent on passing the ball. If Week 11 leaves you short on quarterback options, consider Bortles as a great filler off the waiver wire.

Next: 4. He's playing a must-win game

4. Derek Carr vs. Patriots

Derek Carr and the Oakland Raiders will be playing in a game which many are considering a must-win. A win against the New England Patriots would be the difference between 6-4 and 5-5. In a tough AFC West and playoff landscape, dropping to .500 would be a major setback.

Fans could be in for an all-out air-show between Carr and Tom Brady. Both defenses have struggled against the pass whereas airing the ball out is the “bread and butter” of each perspective offense.

Carr has struggled in his past two games, scoring only 12.5 and 13.7 fantasy points. After coming into the season with high expectations, disappointingly, Carr only ranks 21st among fantasy quarterbacks. Although for Carr, who proved he’s still got it against Kansas City, will have a great opportunity to bounce back this weekend.

We can expect Carr and his Raiders to look fresh coming off of a bye. In addition, they’ll be facing the New England defense which allows the second most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Many fantasy owners will be wary to start Carr due to his recent struggles, but make no mistake as he’ll be an excellent start in Week 11.

Next: 3. He's the top-scoring fantasy quarterback through 10 weeks

3. Russell Wilson vs. Falcons

Russell Wilson got off to a slow start this year, though after two tough weeks he’s been absolutely on fire as far as fantasy goes. The biggest attribute to his success has been Wilson being allowed to be himself. After finding trouble standing in the pocket, he’s gone back to his old mobile form, which has proven to be more successful for Wilson.

The great thing about being a Wilson fantasy owner is his low floor. This is a common attribute shared by most mobile quarterbacks. His ability to run will always pad his scoring by at least a few points, as he is almost certain to make a few nice plays with his legs; and possibly even carry one into the end zone.

Wilson is averaging 26.12 fantasy points per game since coming off his bye week. Now with all of these injuries to the Seattle defense, Wilson may be forced to air it out quite often to keep his team in the game.

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The Falcons rank around the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Although this is another game that could turn into a quarterbacks duel, where both Matt Ryan and Wilson will have to go throw for throw with each other. Ultimately, win or lose, Wilson will have a big statistical game against Atlanta and should certainly be starting in your fantasy lineup.

Next: 2. He's got plenty left in the tank

2. Alex Smith vs. Giants

What a year it’s been for Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs. In a year when not much was expected of Smith, he’s kicked all doors down, starting with New England on opening night. Surprisingly, Smith, who wasn’t even drafted in most leagues, has been the number three fantasy quarterback in terms of scoring.

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Smith is another player coming off a bye week, meaning he and his offensive arsenal should be fresh and ready to rock. He’ll be facing a Giants defense which allows the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

This Giants team is now being regarded as one of the worst, if not the worst team in football right now. They haven’t performed all too well in any of the games three facets, offense, defense and special teams.

The Chiefs are favored by a whopping 10.5 points on the road. The Chiefs, who are extremely well coached, will pounce on this game like a lion and rip the Giants to shreds. We can expect the Chiefs offense to score a lot of points this weekend; consider Smith a must start.

Next: 1. All aboard the Wentz Wagon

1. Carson Wentz vs. Cowboys

Carson Wentz and the Eagles came into this season with high expectations for themselves, though nobody predicted they’d be this good. Wentz is shattering the “sophomore slump” stereotype and now finds himself in the MVP conversation.

All and any Wentz fantasy owners should be thrilled. Not only because he’s the second-highest scoring quarterback in fantasy, but also because they likely drafted him late or possibly even found him on waivers; a great value.

Like Smith and Carr, Wentz is also coming off a bye week. Needless this to say this will be an advantage for Philly, as the Cowboys are coming off a hard-fought loss to the Falcons.

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Surprisingly, the Cowboys pass defense has been better than usual. Although for Dallas, the absence of Sean Lee will be crucial. He’s arguably their best defensive player and he is a true leader as the signal caller of their defense. The difference in their defense with Lee vs. without Lee is like night and day. Wentz and the Eagles will have the clear upper-hand in this matchup, making him an absolute must start.