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Matt Bowen
Throughout the fantasy football season, various circumstances such as injuries, bye weeks, and important news may leave you in need of backup for your fantasy roster. Every Friday during the 2025 NFL season, Matt Bowen provides suggestions for late-week additions to help address those gaps, particularly focusing on deeper leagues.
This column will primarily highlight players who are owned in less than 50% of ESPN leagues, with some exceptions as needed.
We dive into Week 11 at the quarterback spot, beginning with a high-volume passer who has delivered impressive performances recently, alongside two other quarterbacks who offer rushing potential. There are also a few running backs who can catch passes and a tight end experiencing consistent targets. As usual, we’ll wrap things up with a defense that has a favorable matchup on Monday night.
Quarterbacks
Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals (39.3% rostered; at Steelers)
I recommend considering Flacco as an option in deeper leagues against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In their Week 7 clash, Flacco amassed 25.98 points, passing for 342 yards and throwing three touchdowns. Mike Tomlin’s squad struggled to contain Ja’Marr Chase (16 receptions, 161 yards, one touchdown) in that game. Flacco has consistently scored at least 24 points in his last three outings, averaging over 43 passing attempts per game with the Bengals. He tends to perform well when his team is in catch-up mode late.
Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders (14.7% rostered; at Dolphins)
In the Week 10 defeat to the Detroit Lions, Mariota delivered 18.72 points by throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for an additional 22 yards on five attempts. We know that Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury can design plays to leverage Mariota’s mobility, and the game plan will include more spread strategies to enhance the passing game. Consider this matchup against a Miami defense that falls within the bottom 10 against quarterbacks (19.5 PPG).
J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (48.5% rostered; vs. Bears)
While McCarthy’s throwing efficiency has faltered in his last two games (50.7% completion rate and three interceptions), his rushing contributions are valuable, especially against the Chicago Bears. He scored 22.22 points in the season opener against Chicago and has logged at least five carries in each of his last two games, including a rushing touchdown. The Bears have struggled against designed quarterback runs, and McCarthy will have favorable matchups with Justin Jefferson to exploit.
Wide receivers
1 Related
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (8.7% rostered; vs. 49ers)
With Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined (appendectomy), Wilson steps up as the primary receiver for the Cardinals. His speed allows him to stretch the field, and his route-running skills enable him to operate effectively at intermediate distances. Wilson is averaging 6.1 targets per game this season, a number likely to rise with Harrison out.
Tez Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (35.4% rostered; at Bills)
With Chris Godwin Jr. still unavailable (fibula), Johnson becomes a solid option with potential for scoring. He achieved a career-high of 20.2 points in the Week 10 loss against the New England Patriots by catching four out of five targets for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson has found the end zone in three of his last four games, possessing the ability to make plays downfield and elude defenders after the catch. He’s worth starting against Buffalo.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (26.7% rostered; at Giants)
A deep threat for quarterback Jordan Love, Watson has been averaging 23.5 yards per catch across his past three games, seeing four targets each game. While the volume is low, you are banking on the potential for deep throws. Watson is a high-risk, high-reward option in Week 11 against a New York Giants defense that ranks seventh in points allowed to wide receivers this season.
Running backs
Devin Singletary, New York Giants (33.0% rostered; vs. Packers)
Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the Giants’ backfield (14 carries, 71 yards) in the Week 10 loss to the Bears, but Singletary also contributed with 73 total yards on 11 touches, primarily as a receiver with three catches for 53 yards. There’s some uncertainty surrounding the Giants with interim coach Mike Kafka stepping in and Jameis Winston starting at quarterback for an injured Dart (concussion), yet Singletary’s involvement in the passing game makes him a worthwhile deeper-league option.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (37.3% rostered; vs. Texans)
While I’m not keen on this matchup against the Houston Texans defense, Spears is expected to see significant volume and has shown receiving ability in his split with Tony Pollard. Spears has achieved at least three receptions in each of his past four games, along with seven or more carries in two of those games. This level of involvement is valuable given the limited choices amongst running backs in Week 11.
Tight end
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (47.2% rostered; at Titans)
Although Schultz is on the injury report with a shoulder issue and did not participate in practice this week, we should monitor his status closely. Assuming he’s cleared for the Week 11 contest against the Titans, Schultz presents fringe TE1 potential. He scored 18.3 points in the previous game against the Jacksonville Jaguars while receiving passes from Davis Mills and has logged at least 13 points and six catches in three of his last four games. Such production and target volume are hard to overlook.
D/ST
Dallas Cowboys (28.5% rostered; at Raiders)
The Cowboys’ defense has scored at least 13 points, along with four or more sacks in two of their last three games. Therefore, the Week 11 matchup against a Las Vegas Raiders offense that is prone to turnovers while averaging just 15.4 PPG (29th in the league) presents an opportunity. Notably, quarterback Geno Smith has thrown an interception in seven of nine games. The Cowboys may capitalize on potential turnovers here.
