I'm not one to stump for awards at different points in the season. The Most Valuable Player is a full-season award, and so many things can change from week to week in the NFL that the player deemed most valuable after seven weeks could change one, two or three weeks later.
But I'll make an exception here because Week 11 will present all of us in the world of fantasy with a unique challenge: replacing the most valuable player in fantasy football up to this point of the season. That's right, Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp has been the highest-scoring and most valuable player in fantasy football so far in 2021, combining volume, explosive plays and touchdowns, as he has a true shot at the NFL's receiving triple crown of leading the league in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Kupp has been a very good player for some years, but 2021 has been his breakout season in fantasy. He has seemingly lived in the end zone and proved to be the best value of any pick. He's been so good this year, I might start him in Week 11 during his bye out of respect. Hats off to you, Mr. Kupp.
For those looking to fill in for Kupp and other players, we've got the names you need to know on the Week 11 ESPN Fantasy waiver wire.
Note: All players in this column are available in over 50% of leagues on ESPN.com
Week 11 byes: Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams