Everyone has their own holiday traditions.
I was taking my kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhood this year -- like any other year -- with both kids oblivious to the fact I had eaten all of the Sour Patch Kids before we returned to the Halloween party. Tradition.
Like every year, I no doubt play Christmas music when we're leaving that party, replete with all of your favorites from Gene Autry, Mariah Carey and The Waitresses. Even getting the kids to finally admit "Christmas Wrapping" is an absolute banger. Tradition.
Why do I bring this up? We do have another holiday for the fantasy football season during this time. Of course I'm talking about Bye-mageddon, which falls during Week 11 this year. Six teams are going to be on bye: the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. And you're probably doing as well preparing for Bye-mageddon as I am in getting ahead of my Christmas shopping, like that Lamine Yamal kit my daughter has been begging me for.
We can fix that, because as it turns out we are going to be missing some pretty big superstars that week. Jordan Love. Drake Maye. Bijan Robinson. Both Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. Drake London. Chris Olave. Quinshon Judkins.
The key to surviving this particular Bye-mageddon is to start prepping now, and you can begin the process by taking a look at your roster. I'm sure there is some excess you can remove and try to start stocking up for Week 11. At a quick glance, here are some of the players at each position with favorable matchups that week, along with other starters who just should be available right now.
Quarterbacks
I don't necessarily love starting Bryce Young against the Baltimore Ravens, but there's a combination here where you have to match the quarterback you trust the most, his receiving options and opportunity. Not ideal, but when you're locked in a bunker eating canned corn, you really don't have much of a choice.
Other options include:
Justin Herbert (vs. New York Jets)
Running backs
Add David Montgomery right now just in case he's healthy and ready to go in Week 11. He's got the Indianapolis Colts that week and he would no doubt be in a smash spot. He's rostered in 75% of ESPN leagues, but it's always worth checking to see if he's available in yours.
Other options include:
Kenny Gainwell (at Detroit)
Wide receivers
Check to see if Tank Dell is available in your league, and add him immediately. Dell is one of the most-added wide receivers after pulling in four catches for 105 yards and a touchdown in Week 9, his first 100-yard game in two years, as he missed more than a year with a serious knee injury.
Other options include:
Jordyn Tyson (at Bears)
Tight ends
Cade Otton has the best matchup against the Lions, although Detroit has played better defense as of late. But you have to add Chig Okonkwo, who was great this past week against the Rams. He needs to be started immediately in many leagues.
Other options include:
Kenyon Sadiq (at Chargers)
Darren Waller (vs. Ravens)
D/ST
Don't forget about your D/ST, as it can be a difference-maker. The Lions make a lot of sense here, but it always seems risky with them.
Other options to include:
Titans (at Dallas Cowboys)
Cowboys (vs. Titans)