Fantasy: Top waiver-wire pickups for Week 11

Finding studs on waivers is often the key to winning a fantasy championship. Check back every week to learn who is trending up.

Roster percentages are based on Sleeper leagues. Free-Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are based on a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 50% of leagues are considered.

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers, Steelers

Rodgers hasn't had a great fantasy outing since … the Steelers' first game against the Bengals in Week 7. He finished as QB7 that week after throwing for 249 yards, four touchdowns, and a pair of interceptions. By comparison, Rodgers has averaged 194.3 passing yards over the last three games, and he's tossed four touchdowns against two picks during that span.

The 41-year-old should get back on track versus Cincinnati. He then gets another good matchup facing the Bears in Week 12. Quarterbacks have consistently picked on the Bengals' defense, which has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game and the fourth-most passing touchdowns.

Other QBs to pick up:

• Joe Burrow, Bengals (61%): We're breaking the 50% threshold with Burrow returning to practice. He's unlikely to play the next couple of weeks but should be stashed if you have an open IR spot.

• Marcus Mariota, Commanders (28%): If you're really desperate, Mariota is an adequate streaming option against the Dolphins. He threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns versus the Lions and added 22 yards as a runner.

Running backs

Sean Tucker, Buccaneers

There aren't many running backs on waivers who are worth a long look this week, but Tucker is probably the best option if you're in need. He's rushed for more yards than Rachaad White in each of the last two games despite playing fewer than 35% of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps. White is a better receiver, but Tucker could see a bit more work on the ground against the Bills.

Buffalo's defense has given up 12 rushing touchdowns to running backs this season, tied for most in the NFL with the Titans. This is likely Tucker's best chance for a big outing while Bucky Irving remains out, but keep expectations modest if you need to slide him into your lineup.

Brian Robinson Jr., 49ers

Robinson has been efficient with limited touches each of the last two weeks. He also scored a touchdown in both contests. Those trends are encouraging, but the 26-year-old still totaled only 14 touches in that time. Robinson remains entirely touchdown dependent with Christian McCaffrey in the fold, but the recent increase in usage could signal more opportunities to find pay dirt.

The Cardinals have given up 10 scrimmage touchdowns to tailbacks this year, including eight on the ground. Robinson only handled two carries for 22 yards during San Francisco's Week 3 outing against Arizona, so he'll need to be more involved to provide value this time around. Only pick up and play Robinson this week if you're in a deep league or in desperate need of a running back.

Other RBs to pick up:

• Trey Benson, Cardinals (64%): Like Burrow, Benson is an IR stash as he works his way back from injury. He may not play this week, but he's too valuable to leave on waivers moving forward.

• Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (36%): If you need a high-upside flex play this week, Allgeier is one of the better options on waivers. He's scored six touchdowns this season, including two against the Colts on Sunday.

Wide receivers

Alec Pierce, Colts

You'll need to navigate Pierce's bye week if you pick him up, but he's likely worth it given how well he's played in recent weeks. The fourth-year wideout has posted at least 69 receiving yards in each of his last four games and scored his first touchdown of the campaign against an elite Falcons defense in Berlin.

Consecutive matchups versus the Chiefs and Texans following his bye week don't seem great, but he produced a strong outing against Atlanta's secondary, which has allowed the second-fewest receiving yards to wideouts this season. He'll also have some better matchups during the fantasy playoffs.

Jayden Higgins, Texans

Higgins appears poised to take over Houston's No. 2 receiver role after scoring touchdowns in two of the last three games and receiving 16 targets during those contests. The 22-year-old posted a 5/42/1 stat line with Davis Mills under center against the Jaguars and should get even better opportunities once C.J. Stroud returns to the lineup.

Higgins has a solid chance to continue his ascension in Week 11. The Titans have given up the eighth-most receiving yards to wideouts and are tied for 12th in receptions conceded to the position. They've also surrendered eight receiving touchdowns to wideouts.

Other WRs to pick up:

• Jerry Jeudy, Browns (52%): We're going slightly over the 50% cutoff to mention Jeudy. The 26-year-old hauled in six of his 12 targets for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Jets on Sunday. He'll be an inconsistent option given Cleveland's quarterback situation, but Jeudy has a string of positive matchups ahead.

• Tory Horton, Seahawks (20%): Horton missed Seattle's last game with groin and shin injuries, so his status should be monitored, but he's a potential flex option against the Rams if he plays.

Tight ends

TE Cade Otton, Buccaneers

I mentioned Otton as a tight end to pick up last week. A positive matchup against the Patriots worked in his favor, as did his increased usage in recent weeks. That all came together in a 9/82/0 outing in which Otton drew 12 targets.

This week's matchup with the Bills isn't good, but he's seen enough recent volume to warrant consideration anyway. Otton has 32 targets in his last four contests, compared to 16 in the first five games of the campaign. Beyond this week, he has great fantasy playoff matchups in Weeks 16 and 17.

Other TEs to pick up:

• Dalton Schultz, Texans (33%): Like Otton, Schultz has seen a big uptick in recent usage. The 29-year-old has gotten 32 looks in his last four games, including 11 against the Jaguars. His remaining schedule isn't great though.

• Theo Johnson, Giants (31%): Johnson has recorded double-digit half-PPR fantasy points in three of his last four games. He hasn't been truly outstanding in any of those, but he's a solid streaming option at a weak position.

Andrew Dixon is a contributing fantasy analyst for theScore.