Welcome to another week of Part the Cloud, where we dive deep into defensive coverage schemes and uncover hidden gem wide receivers who can make all the difference in your fantasy lineups.
GOTTA KNOW WHERE YOU’VE BEEN…
Let’s quickly review the performance of last week’s picks:
- Mike Williams: 10.2 DKFP (2.5x), 9.7 FDFP (1.9x)
- Jordan Addison: 4.5 DKFP (0.85x), 3.5 FDFP (0.53x)
- Parker Washington: 0 DKFP, 0 FDFP
- Mason Tipton: 0 DKFP, 0 FDFP
The Vikings/Jaguars game didn’t pan out as expected. Washington was never involved, and Addison caught just two passes. Tipton, much like Washington, didn’t see any opportunities. On the bright side, Mike Williams made the most of his limited opportunities, catching one pass for 32 yards and a touchdown on just one target. Not bad, considering he only ran seven routes. The takeaway? Russell Wilson now has another deep threat in Williams, and as his usage increases, the connection should only get stronger.
…TO KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING
For Week 11, I’ve got my eye on three wide receivers with favorable matchups and potential for big returns.
Zay Flowers
- DraftKings: $6900 | Ownership: 5.84%
- FanDuel: $7600 | Ownership: 7.38%
The Pittsburgh Steelers have traditionally run a 2-Man concept, but this season, they’ve primarily shifted to a Cover 3 Zone defense. This plays right into Zay Flowers’ hands, as he excels against zone coverage and single-high schemes. With his explosive speed and route-running, Flowers is primed to take advantage of the space provided by Pittsburgh’s scheme, particularly in the slot.
Jameson Williams
- DraftKings: $5800 | Ownership: 4.69%
- FanDuel: $6300 | Ownership: 6.12%
The Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled against Man Coverage and Cover 2 Zone all season, and it could be the perfect opportunity for Jameson Williams to shine. The Detroit offense has been off for a few weeks, but with Williams back from suspension, he’s poised to contribute. As Detroit’s second-best receiver against Man Coverage, Williams should see more deep targets, helping to open up space for Amon-Ra St. Brown. The absence of Sam Laporta only increases the likelihood of additional targets heading Williams’ way.
Quentin Johnston
- FanDuel: $6000 | Ownership: 2.95%
This one’s for the FanDuel players. The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the league’s top teams in pass rate since their bye week, and the Chargers have been moving in the same direction. The result? A shootout could be on the horizon, making for an ideal fantasy matchup. Quentin Johnston has been targeted on deeper routes, and his intermediate routes are effective against two-high coverages, which the Bengals have been running more frequently in recent weeks. If they continue to play more two-high looks, Johnston could be in line for a productive evening.
Receiver Musings: Other Players to Watch
Here are three additional receivers who may provide value, especially for those looking for under-the-radar options or salary relief:
DK Metcalf
- DraftKings: $6500 | Ownership: 2.66%
- FanDuel: $8000 | Ownership: 1.18%
With Seattle gaining momentum, DK Metcalf is an intriguing play. The 49ers primarily run a Cover 3 scheme with some Man Coverage mixed in, and Metcalf’s combination of size and speed makes him a difficult matchup for any cornerback. With the spread tightening and a game total sitting around 48.5/49 points, Metcalf should have plenty of opportunities to capitalize on the matchups presented by the 49ers’ defense.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- DraftKings: $4400 | Ownership: 1.43%
- FanDuel: $5900 | Ownership: 0.81%
Valdes-Scantling had a big game last week, but he’s still a risk-reward play. That said, MVS tends to perform well against Man Coverage, which is exactly what the Browns tend to play. The Browns are prone to giving up big plays, and this sets up well for MVS, who is known for his downfield ability. With a relatively low ownership percentage, he’s a great option for those looking to pivot off more chalky plays.
Kendrick Bourne
- DraftKings: $3100 | Ownership: 0%
- FanDuel: $5000 | Ownership: 0.06%
Bourne is an intriguing value play, especially considering he’s been largely ignored by the fantasy community. The Patriots are underdogs, but the betting market seems to favor them in this matchup. The Rams primarily run zone coverage, but they shift to Man Coverage in the red zone. Bourne, arguably the Patriots’ best route runner, could find success in that area, particularly if he’s given the chance to exploit Man Coverage. With his low price and minimal ownership, Bourne is an excellent salary relief option.
In Summary
These are the wide receivers I’m most excited about heading into Week 11. Whether you’re looking for high upside or sneaky plays to round out your lineup, these guys have the potential to make an impact.
If you have any questions about the process or need help with other players, feel free to tag me — TreyJ989 — in the channels. Let’s make some bold moves this week!
Good luck! 🚀
