Week 11 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good week 10? Well, I did, until Michael Vick started for my opponent. And, in my other league, the guy had DeSean Jackson. Oh well. Now, there are no more bye weeks, and we’re in it for the stretch run, and the playoffs start soon, so you’d best be ready.


Writers Note: This column won’t include the Thursday night CHI/MIA game.

Who to Start:

QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ) vs. HOU: He’s either been hot, or he hasn’t done anything this year. He’s on a bit of a streak now, and that should continue against a Texans defense that is last in the NFL against the pass, and gave up 342 yards and 2 TD’s to David Garrard last Sunday.

RB Jamaal Charles (KC) vs. ARZ: I know the Chiefs were out of last week’s game very quickly, so we didn’t get a chance to see how good Jamaal Charles could be on the ground. But, we did see him catching screens, and boy is he good at it. Against Arizona’s porous run D, his success should return.

WR Dez Bryant (DAL) vs. DET: Welcome back Cowboys offense! I knew we’d see your return someday! And because of that, expect the potential offensive rookie of the year to light up the Lions secondary, and continue his great season.

WR Mike Williams (TB) vs. SF: This rookie, not to be mistaken with the Mike Williams in Seattle, is having a very nice year for the surprising Bucs. That success should continue against a relatively weak San Francisco secondary.

TE Todd Heap (BAL) vs. CAR: As with a lot of players this year in fantasy, they’ve either been great, or terrible. Todd Heap is one of those players. But, he should find the going easy against a terrible Carolina team who gives up tons of yards to Tight Ends.

DEF Baltimore vs. CAR: Now, technically, shouldn’t this be cheating? I know, but this matchup is so awesome that I just have to talk about it. Carolina is starting journeyman Brian St. Pierre (again- who?) at QB, and have their top 3 running backs consigned to the bench due to injury. Even though the Ravens D has been struggling, this is a must-start for this week.

DEF New Orleans vs. SEA: Because I think the last option was cheating, I’ll give out another. New Orleans is well rested off of their bye, and Seattle struggles to do anything away from Quest Field. The Saints D is back, and should be started this week.

Who to Sit:

QB Donovan McNabb (WSH) vs. TEN: Well then, what does $78 million buy you? 31 point losses on Monday Night and to your former team no less. He shouldn’t perform well against a very good and aggressive Tennessee pass D.

RB LeGarrette Blount (TB) vs. SF: This year has been the year of backs coming out of nowhere to be successful. We all know what Blount is famous for last year, but this year he’s been a consistently decent fantasy option. He should be a benchwarmer on Sunday because the ‘9ers have allowed 3 rushing TD’s all season.

WR Steve Smith (CAR) vs. BAL: Again, isn’t this a given by now with Carolina’s QB troubles? I feel for Steve Smith owners this year. This week should ease your pain, with Smith facing the Ravens D.

WR Donald Driver (GB) vs. MIN: If he is able to return from his gimpy quad, he may not do very well against the Vikings. In his last 7 games against them, he’s averaged 46 yards a game, and only 4 catches in those games.

TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. NYG: One of the biggest fantasy disappointments lie in Philly. Brent Celek has done next to nothing when Michael Vick has been the QB, only 11 catches for 109 yards.

DEF New England vs. IND: Despite the fact that they played very well, they still gave up 26 points. Even though logic dictates that Peyton Manning will struggle against the Patriots as he commonly has, last year, he threw for 327 yards a 4 TD’s against the Pats.

3 Super Sleepers for Week 11:

QB Colt McCoy (CLE) vs. JAX: I understand that the Browns pass offense hasn’t been great under Colt McCoy, but when he faced a bad New England pass D, he performed well. Jacksonville’s pass D is pretty terrible, so I expect a decent game from the rookie from Texas.

WR Nate Washington (TEN) vs. WSH: Despite the presence of Randy Moss, Washington still caught a TD last week against Miami. If you saw what happened on MNF to the poor Redskins’ D, you’ll know why Washington is a potential major player this week.

TE Zach Miller (OAK) vs. PIT: Starting someone when they’re playing Pittsburgh seems like taboo right? Even though he’s injured, if he starts, he could see plenty of targets with many other Raiders on the shelf due to injury.

Good Luck in Week 11!