Fantasy & Betting

11/15/23

9 min read

2023 Fantasy Football Week 11 Projections: Mahomes, Hurts Set to Battle

Patrick Mahomes attempts a pass vs. Miami Dolphins
Nov 5, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany, ; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Using machine learning, I’ve built a model that projects player usage and fantasy performance week to week. Below, you can find the model’s 2023 Week 11 projections. Each player is listed with relevant projected stats, as well as their projected points in half-PPR leagues, PPR leagues and projected rank.

Three write-ups for interesting and notable players will be found under each position.

Disclaimer: I wouldn’t recommend using these projections for the betting markets. The model regresses outlier predictions and performances back to an average. Though this model can aid in betting decision-making, it wasn’t modeled with that in mind.

Week 11 Projections

Quarterbacks

NameAttCompPsYdsPsTDRushRshYdsRshTDsFFPTsRank
Lamar Jackson28202321.19560.722.11
Patrick Mahomes37262852.54200.122.02
Jalen Hurts34252511.610440.521.53
C.J. Stroud34212972.4290.121.14
Josh Allen37262322.45280.420.05
Tua Tagovailoa34232562.2280.219.96
Dak Prescott33232642.13120.219.97
Sam Howell43293142.03230.119.98
Joe Burrow36262592.0290.119.89
Justin Herbert36232472.0270.119.410
Kyler Murray32192391.36330.519.411
Justin Fields33202351.25260.319.212
Joshua Dobbs39252411.85310.119.113
Jared Goff36242662.2110.118.314
Brock Purdy30212851.8450.218.215
Russell Wilson31212102.23180.118.016
Trevor Lawrence35242641.54210.217.617
Jordan Love33202431.73180.217.518
Matthew Stafford38232861.9120.117.519
Geno Smith32212401.8290.116.620
Deshaun Watson32192121.43160.215.321
Bryce Young39242121.53200.114.822
Zach Wilson30181851.24200.113.123
Baker Mayfield33212081.23100.112.724
Will Levis33192280.9370.112.625
Tommy DeVito31181890.94210.112.426
Aidan O'Connell28181961.3150.112.327
Kenny Pickett30181861.0270.111.128

Patrick Mahomes (QB2), Jalen Hurts (QB3)

In the anticipated Super Bowl LVII rematch, Patrick Mahomes (QB2) faces Jalen Hurts (QB3) in a matchup that might not replicate their high-scoring encounter from last February.

Despite the previous shootout, Las Vegas set the total line at 45.5 points, reflecting changes in each team. The Philadelphia Eagles' defense struggles against opposing wide receivers, setting the stage for Mahomes to exploit it, even with challenges in the Kansas City Chiefs' receiving corps.

Mahomes is expected to shine against the Eagles' defense, while Hurts could find success on the ground against a Chiefs defense vulnerable to quarterback rushes. Despite the game's relatively low total, both teams are motivated.

The Eagles seek revenge for their Super Bowl loss, and Mahomes is eager to maintain his team's dominance. Fantasy managers can anticipate impactful performances from Mahomes and Hurts, each leveraging their unique strengths against the nuances of their opponent's defense.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (QB7)

During the past five weeks, Dak Prescott has claimed the title of fantasy football's QB1. With four consecutive performances of 24 or more points, the discussion around whether Prescott is elite has rekindled.

Prescott has always been a talented quarterback; his past struggles were largely attributed to turnovers. Since last year, the Dallas Cowboys are averaging nearly three more pass attempts per game, and Prescott seems to have resolved his turnover issues.

Dallas' challenge in converting goal-line opportunities into touchdowns has played to Prescott's advantage, allowing him to accumulate significant fantasy points.

In the upcoming matchup against the Carolina Panthers, a team with a vulnerable rush defense, the Cowboys might lean on their ground game. Nevertheless, Prescott is expected to see substantial volume and efficiency, making him a solid starting option in fantasy football.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (QB11)

Kyler Murray's return to action against the Atlanta Falcons was a welcome sight, although he didn't deliver an outstanding performance, finishing as QB13.

It's not uncommon for players, especially quarterbacks, to operate below peak performance in the initial weeks after returning from a long-term injury. Murray is no exception to this norm. While he might not have showcased his full prowess, there's optimism for improvement.

Looking ahead, the Arizona Cardinals are set to face the Houston Texans, a defense that has performed at an average level. The model predicts a modest improvement for Murray, but the real payoff could come later, possibly in the fantasy football championships. 


Wide Receivers

NameTargetsReceptionsRecYdsRecTDsHPPRPPRRank
Tyreek Hill1281010.718.322.41
A.J. Brown1281070.618.222.42
Cooper Kupp1381090.618.121.93
Justin Jefferson1171120.517.921.64
Ja'Marr Chase118970.617.521.55
Keenan Allen118950.617.421.56
CeeDee Lamb1081000.617.321.47
Amon-Ra St. Brown118880.716.720.78
Stefon Diggs118780.816.520.49
DJ Moore97840.414.417.910
Brandon Aiyuk64770.614.116.311
Davante Adams105780.413.115.612
Jaylen Waddle85740.513.015.813
DeVonta Smith86740.513.015.714
Puka Nacua116810.313.016.115
Amari Cooper85760.512.815.216
Christian Kirk85730.412.715.417
DK Metcalf74720.612.714.818
Terry McLaurin106730.412.615.519
Adam Thielen106670.412.515.720
DeAndre Hopkins105770.412.314.721
Tank Dell74710.512.314.422
Courtland Sutton86540.712.114.923
Garrett Wilson106660.411.914.824
Tyler Boyd75610.511.814.425
Tyler Lockett85600.511.714.426
Nico Collins64630.511.413.327
Diontae Johnson95700.211.113.728
Mike Evans85640.310.713.229
Marquise Brown85550.410.512.830
Gabe Davis74580.410.512.731
Jordan Addison95540.310.112.732
Jerry Jeudy74520.410.012.133
Zay Flowers75560.29.311.834
Calvin Ridley74520.39.111.135
Deebo Samuel65580.29.010.436
Rashee Rice54440.48.910.737
Chris Godwin84450.28.310.538
Jaxon Smith-Njigba64470.38.210.239
George Pickens63440.38.19.640
Elijah Moore64400.28.09.941
Curtis Samuel64440.37.89.742
Jahan Dotson64400.47.89.643
Romeo Doubs63340.47.59.044
Jayden Reed53430.37.48.843
Michael Wilson53470.27.49.144
Brandin Cooks43370.37.18.545
Darnell Mooney63430.27.08.546
Rondale Moore63250.27.08.747
Christian Watson53370.36.88.149
Darius Slayton62410.26.57.748
Jakobi Meyers42320.26.27.451
Robert Woods53290.36.27.652
Noah Brown32340.36.27.353
Quentin Johnston43290.36.17.554
Jonathan Mingo64320.26.07.855
Tutu Atwell42220.35.66.856
Josh Reynolds42290.35.66.757
Allen Lazard42280.25.56.758
Jalin Hyatt42390.15.46.359

Justin Jefferson (WR4), Jordan Addison (WR32)

With Joshua Dobbs at the helm, it’s tough to dissect this passing attack. The only quarterback who has targeted the tight end position more frequently than Dobbs this season is Desmond Ridder.

Given this tendency, deciphering the role of star receivers Justin Jefferson (WR4) and Jordan Addison (WR32) becomes complex, especially with Jefferson returning from injured reserve this week.

Before his injury, Jefferson commanded an impressive target share of nearly 31 percent, a number that rivals T.J. Hockenson's 29 percent target share in his absence. Despite Addison's status as the WR5 during Jefferson's absence, Dobbs' targeting strategy might see Addison as the odd man out.

Dobbs has proven himself as a capable starter, showcasing viability for his skill players. However, predicting how this talent aligns in the passing game remains uncertain. As Jefferson returns, fantasy managers must cautiously observe how Dobbs utilizes elite talents in this revamped receiving corps.

DK Metcalf (WR18), Tyler Lockett (WR26)

Choosing between the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver options each week is a challenging task. DK Metcalf leads the team in target share when healthy, offering a consistent presence. Still, Tyler Lockett has showcased more scoring prowess with twice as many touchdowns and several explosive performances.

While both players are solid fantasy starters, Metcalf holds a slight edge due to his consistent usage and impressive yards per reception.

In their matchup against the Cardinals — known for their defensive struggles but relative strength against wide receivers (ninth fewest points per game allowed) — Lockett and Metcalf are viable options in the WR2/Flex range.

Fantasy managers can expect a competitive performance from both players, but Metcalf's usage and big-play potential give him a slight advantage in the decision-making process.

Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (WR24)

Garrett Wilson continues to be a standout in the New York Jets' offense, showcasing a remarkable 33 percent target share that leads the entire NFL dating back to 2017 (Antonio Brown and DeAndre Hopkins).

Despite consistently receiving double-digit targets in five of his last six games, Wilson ranks as the per-game WR22 in that timeframe.

While Wilson excels in accumulating yards, his fantasy upside is hindered by a lack of touchdowns. He hasn't scored since Week 2. 


Running Backs

NameRushesRushYardsRushTDsTargetsReceptionsRecYdsRecTDsHPPRPPRRank
Christian McCaffrey20800.954410.220.422.21
Travis Etienne20820.953300.118.820.52
Austin Ekeler16500.585530.217.019.43
Breece Hall17780.543240.115.216.64
Derrick Henry19710.732200.115.016.65
D'Andre Swift15810.343200.214.916.66
Brian Robinson Jr.14630.632230.214.415.67
Jahmyr Gibbs10410.654220.313.615.58
Saquon Barkley16690.364230.113.615.49
Joe Mixon16640.343180.213.114.710
James Conner18750.62170.113.113.711
Tony Pollard19800.52180.113.013.612
Gus Edwards13630.811130.012.913.413
Rachaad White16550.454270.112.914.714
David Montgomery18660.82190.112.813.315
Josh Jacobs24790.521100.112.713.316
Aaron Jones14510.354240.212.414.217
Kenneth Walker III14620.622170.012.313.118
Isiah Pacheco15690.332120.112.013.119
Najee Harris15550.532160.111.813.020
Javonte Williams14490.243170.411.813.421
Raheem Mostert11580.61160.211.612.022
Jaylen Warren10500.432190.111.212.423
Ty Chandler14640.321110.110.711.424
James Cook13660.222110.110.711.525
Jerome Ford15610.421100.010.511.326
Tyjae Spears6280.254310.09.311.327
Antonio Gibson4190.154360.29.311.128
Chuba Hubbard13420.243150.19.010.529
A.J. Dillon10350.232180.18.29.130
Khalil Herbert11450.41160.08.18.531
Dameon Pierce9320.421120.17.78.432
Kareem Hunt10360.211100.17.27.733
Devin Singletary12420.31030.16.87.034
Zach Charbonnet7310.32180.16.77.535
Jaleel McLaughlin5200.232180.16.57.636
Kenneth Gainwell6270.122120.16.27.037
Elijah Mitchell5150.422130.06.16.939
Royce Freeman9350.41010.05.75.740
Jerick McKinnon270.132170.35.46.441
Keaton Mitchell6360.20010.05.45.542
Dalvin Cook3160.23290.15.16.043
Joshua Kelley6220.22180.15.15.744

Jahmyr Gibbs (RB8), David Montgomery (RB15)

Jahmyr Gibbs unexpectedly led the Detroit Lions in touches last week, outpacing David Montgomery, 17-12, even with Montgomery returning from injured reserve.

It's common for a player to see reduced usage in his first game back from injury. However, the Lions using Gibbs as the goal-line and receiving back raises concerns for Montgomery's role moving forward.

Despite Montgomery salvaging his fantasy day with a 75-yard touchdown, it's uncertain if he can replicate such plays weekly. With Gibbs showcasing significant usage, he emerges as a must-start running back.

Montgomery remains a viable start, but his fantasy outlook hinges on reclaiming his role as the goal-line back. 

Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (RB9)

The primary concern for Saquon Barkley isn't volume but efficiency. Despite leading the New York Giants in targets, Barkley managed only one reception for -5 yards.

With Tommy DeVito at quarterback, Barkley is expected to be the primary weapon for the Giants, but the team's struggles to score touchdowns and move the ball through the air (ranking last with 86 receiving yards in Week 10) paint a grim outlook for Barkley.

While he will see significant volume, the inability to produce monster weeks that can elevate fantasy teams to championship victories adds a layer of uncertainty to Barkley's fantasy prospects.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (RB14)

In the past month, Rachaad White has been a standout in the receiving game among running backs. He leads all backs with an impressive average of 57 receiving yards per game. Notably, he has consistently exceeded 45 yards in all four games.

What's even more promising is White's YAC, which has nearly doubled to an average of 12.3 per reception. That's up from 8.3 earlier in the season.

Facing the San Francisco 49ers this week — who have shown vulnerability against receiving running backs — White's recent performances position him as the RB6. Given the struggles of Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass catchers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, starting White as an RB6 holds even more merit.


Tight Ends

fullNameTargetsReceptionsRecYdsRecTDsHPPRFPPRRank
Travis Kelce97730.715.018.41
T.J. Hockenson118730.514.818.92
George Kittle64660.511.613.83
Dalton Kincaid97490.511.114.44
Sam LaPorta75550.510.913.55
Trey McBride75650.310.913.56
Mark Andrews64580.410.212.37
Cole Kmet76520.39.912.78
Logan Thomas75520.49.812.39
Jake Ferguson54400.59.111.010
Evan Engram86470.28.711.711
David Njoku75450.38.510.712
Dalton Schultz74390.48.410.413
Luke Musgrave43340.26.17.414
Tyler Higbee53290.36.17.615
Durham Smythe53260.36.07.516
Gerald Everett43260.35.97.217
Chigoziem Okonkwo64290.25.77.618
Tyler Conklin42280.14.75.919
Daniel Bellinger32270.14.55.620
Cade Otton53210.14.46.021
Michael Mayer32260.14.45.522
Hayden Hurst32180.24.35.323
Tommy Tremble32200.24.25.224

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (TE2)

While it might seem risky to suggest starting Hockenson is a gamble, Jefferson's return introduces a level of uncertainty.

Nevertheless, the model projects Hockenson to maintain his lead in target share for at least one more week, offering reassurance to fantasy managers considering him in their lineups.

Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (TE7)

Surprisingly, a multitude of talented tight ends have surfaced in the last three weeks. Mark Andrews ranks as the TE11 in per-game performance during this period. Notably, Andrews has received nine fewer targets than rookie WR Zay Flowers.

While Andrews remains a premier tight end, the emergence of other tight ends projected ahead of him is notable, particularly those with elite target shares.


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