Fantasy Football Week 11 is here, and if you're not paying attention to funnel defenses, you're leaving points on the table. But what exactly is a funnel defense, and how can it help you dominate your league? Let's dive in.
Each week of the 2025 NFL season, I’ll be your guide to identifying teams facing funnel defenses—those that see an unusually high rate of pass attempts or rushes. These defenses can be goldmines for fantasy managers, but only if you know how to exploit them. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about spotting these defenses; it’s about understanding how opponents attack them in neutral game scripts—when the game is within a touchdown either way.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Identifying funnel defenses isn’t an exact science. Game scripts can go haywire, and even the best-laid plans can fall apart. But over the past few seasons, I’ve found that analyzing matchups through this lens can uncover hidden gems for your lineup. With Week 11 upon us, we’re swimming in data, and it’s time to put it to work.
Pass Funnel Matchups
Chargers vs. Jaguars: Jacksonville has emerged as the king of pass funnels this season. Through Week 10, the Jaguars are facing a league-high 66% neutral pass rate—no other defense is above 62%. This has created a dream scenario for opposing pass catchers. The Chargers, who rank among the most pass-heavy teams this season, are poised to exploit this. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are obvious plays, but don’t sleep on Keenan Allen, especially if Oronde Gadsden II (quad) sits. Bold prediction: If Gadsden plays, he’s a must-start in 12-team leagues against a Jags defense allowing 9.5 tight end targets per game.
Texans vs. Titans: Just days after I flagged Dalton Schultz and Nico Collins as regression candidates, they’re now facing a Titans defense that’s become increasingly exploitable through the air. Tennessee has allowed the second-highest pass rate over expected in 2025, making them a prime target for pass-heavy teams like the Texans. Houston, lacking a reliable starting running back, has leaned heavily on the pass this season. If Davis Mills starts again, he’s a solid superflex option. Thought-provoking question: Could Jaylen Noel or Jayden Higgins emerge as deep league sleepers this week?
Run Funnel Matchups
Bucs vs. Bills: This game pits two extremes against each other: Tampa’s pass funnel defense versus Buffalo’s run funnel defense. The Bills have struggled mightily against the run, allowing a league-high 3.2 yards after contact per rush since Week 6. Expect the Bucs to lean on their ground game, especially if Bucky Irving returns. Controversial take: This could limit the upside of Tampa’s secondary pass catchers, like Tez Johnson and Cade Otton, making Emeka Egbuka the only reliable option.
Bears vs. Vikings: This matchup is a fantasy goldmine for splash plays. Both teams rank among the worst defenses against the deep ball, and the Bears have quietly become a run-first team under Ben Johnson. D’Andre Swift should see plenty of work, and Kyle Monangai could be a deep-league flex option. But here’s where it gets interesting: While the Vikings struggle against the pass, they’re actually solid against the run, allowing the 10th-lowest rate of rush yards before contact. Question for you: Is this the week to trust Odunze, or are the Bears’ pass catchers too risky outside of him?
As we head into Week 11, remember: funnel defenses can make or break your lineup. What’s your take? Are you buying into these matchups, or do you have a different strategy in mind? Let’s debate in the comments!
