The Big Lead

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 11: Rex Burkhead Continues to Expand Role

By Jason Lisk

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The New England Patriots are always a risky proposition when it comes to the backfield, but I think Rex Burkhead (owned in 20% of leagues) is a decent addition as a high-end flex play, especially in PPR leagues. Mike Gillislee has fallen out of favor (I hope you took my week 1 advice to sell, sell, sell after three touchdowns). Now that Burkhead is healthy, which he was not early, we’ve seen his role expand as an all-purpose weapon. Right now, it’s a platoon of Dion Lewis and Bulkhead with James White serving as a receiving back. Burkhead had 10 carries last week, and also has 10 catches and a touchdown over the last two weeks.

Here are the rest of the Fantasy Football waiver recommendations.

QUARTERBACKS

Ryan Fitzpatrick (36%) vs MIA is my #1 fantasy recommendation off the waiver wire if you need to find a starter, with the return of Mike Evans. If you need a fallback, Drew Stanton (9%) at HOU, against a struggling Texans team is another solid choice this week. You can also risk Blake Bortles (57%) at CLE in a favorable matchup.

RUNNING BACKS

Average and Shallow Leagues: Dion Lewis (63%) should be owned and started going forward. He’s gotten 42 carries over the last three weeks.

Rod Smith (33%) looked better than Darren McFadden and could see his role expand over the next few weeks in Dallas.

Deep Leagues:

Austin Ekeler (6%) outperformed Melvin Gordon, though a late fumble could prove costly. Still, he’s a good upside gamble in case last week wasn’t an aberration. This staff seems less than thrilled with Gordon despite his raw numbers in the offense.

Jamaal Williams (10%), once a hot target in the preseason, and since forgotten, is Mr. Right Now with injuries to the Green Bay running backs. Pick him up and use as a third running back if needed.

Terron Ward (0%) could get enough carries to justify a flex gamble with Devonta Freeman out. He got 9 carries last week and will be spelling Tevin Coleman.

Samaje Perine (16%) hasn’t been impressive so far, but Rob Kelley’s injury gives him another opportunity.

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

Average and Shallow Leagues: Marqise Lee (60%) should be owned in all leagues and is a top 24 WR right now. He’ll be heavily targeted with Allen Hurns out.

Jamison Crowder (40%) is a good spot start this week for Washington. He’ll have to be heavily involved in the game plan against the Saints.

Corey Davis (58%) is still worth an upside gamble as he works back in the offense after a lengthy absence.

Josh Gordon (44%) is still lurking out there in many leagues.  He’s eligible to be active November 27th, one week from Sunday.

Deep Leagues: Corey Coleman (24%) could be back this week, tough matchup against Jacksonville, but should be useful going forward.

Bruce Ellington (0%) scored a TD last week and will be starting in place of Will Fuller.

Keelan Cole (0%), who made a highlight catch a few weeks ago, will see increased time because of Allen Hurns’ injury.

 

TIGHT ENDS

Average and Shallow Leagues: Charles Clay (48%) is working back in and may be available.

Deep Leagues: Go with Ben Watson (20%) against the Packers, or Julius Thomas (21%) against Tampa Bay.

 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Marqise Lee, WR, Jacksonville
  2. Rex Burkhead, RB, New England
  3. Dion Lewis, RB, New England
  4. Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland
  5. Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland
  6. Jamaal Williams, RB, Green Bay
  7. Jamison Crowder, WR, Washington
  8. Austin Ekeler, RB, LA Chargers
  9. Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee
  10. Rod Smith, RB, Dallas
  11. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Tampa Bay
  12. Charles Clay, TE, Buffalo
  13. Terron Ward, RB, Atlanta
  14. Drew Stanton, QB, Arizona
  15. Ben Watson, TE, Baltimore
  16. Blake Bortles, QB, Jacksonville
  17. Bruce Ellington, WR, Houston
  18. Julius Thomas, TE, Miami
  19. Samaje Perine, RB, Washington
  20. Keelan Cole, WR, Jacksonville

DEEP LEAGUES

  1. Rex Burkhead, RB, New England
  2. Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland
  3. Jamaal Williams, RB, Green Bay
  4. Austin Ekeler, RB, LA Chargers
  5. Terron Ward, RB, Atlanta
  6. Drew Stanton, QB, Arizona
  7. Ben Watson, TE, Baltimore
  8. Bruce Ellington, WR, Houston
  9. Julius Thomas, TE, Miami
  10. Samaje Perine, RB, Washington
  11. Keelan Cole, WR, Jacksonville