FANTASY FOOTBALL: WEEK 11 TIPS

Let’s take a look back at last week. I have to say, I really led you astray by picking Matt Ryan as my “worst” qb for the week. The guy exploded for 316 yards and 3 TDs. But on the flip side, I really really led you in the right direction by selecting Mike Vick and his 333 passing yards and 6, yes 6, total TDs in week 10. So I guess we’ll call that one a draw. Now on to this week:

Quarterback

BEST:   Matt Cassel, KC

I bet you never thought you’d see this did you? Well, here’s the dirty little secret:  Cassel has actually been pretty darn good this year. To this point he’s amassed 16 TDs to only 4 INTs. The yardage numbers aren’t there with the elite quarterbacks, but we all know touchdowns are what matter the most in fantasy football. Last week Cassel amassed a lot of points in garbage time by throwing for 4 TDs and over 400 yards. Now it’s highly unlikely that he’ll score that high this week, but he’s facing a weak opponent in the Arizona Cardinals, and should put up some nice numbers in fantasy week 11.

WORST:Â Matt Schaub, HOU

Schaub has been the most frustrating fantasy quarterback in the league this season, hands down. His production has been next to impossible to predict, as one game he’ll go for over 300 yards and multiple scores and then disappear for the next few weeks. He has a tough matchup this week, and I have trouble believing that he’ll find many throwing lanes against the Jets’ corners. Don’t be shocked if he throws for under 250 yards this week and turns the ball over at least once.

Running Back

BEST:   Peyton Hillis, CLE

Hillis has been absolutely monster the last two weeks. The guy runs like a battering ram, so you have to worry about injury with him, but let’s face it…if he isn’t in your starting lineup right now you’re insane. He catches passes out of the backfield, and has been an absolute monster on the ground. Also, let’s not forget that he’s seeing plenty of carries, he’s averaged 21 carries a contest in the last three games, so even if he’s having a tough day on the ground he should find a way to rack up yards just based on sheer number of times he totes the rock. Look for Hillis to find the end zone this week while racking up at least 80 yards on the ground and 40 through the air.

WORST:Â LeSean McCoy, PHI

McCoy has been pretty solid this season, but I think he’s going to be in trouble this week. The Giants have been outstanding against the run this season, ranking 3rd in the league. I have a feeling the Giants will come to play after getting man-handled by Dallas last week, and take their frustrations out on the Eagles’ running game. I wouldn’t expect McCoy to top 60 yards this week, and he also probably won’t see the end zone.

Wide Receiver

BEST:   Dwayne Bowe, KC

He’s scored 8 times in his last 5 games. If you aren’t starting him right now, you’re crazy. He’s certainly one of the 3 or 4 hottest wide receivers in the game right now, and is looking like he’s finally figured out the mental and effort issues that had kept him from being a dominant receiver in the NFL. He should be able to shred the Cardinals this week. Look for him to see plenty of targets and rack up plenty of yards and a score.

WORST:Â Steve Smith, CAR

The Panthers’ quarterback situation is absolutely putrid right now. I can honestly say that you should bench Smith at this point. He isn’t what he was early in his career, and at this point he can’t make up for inconsistent quarterback play with his athleticism. Just to prove my point, Smith has only topped 80 yards in a game once this year, and has only found the end zone twice, and those were both in week 1 and week 2. Bench him…now!

Tight End

BEST:   Jacob Tamme, IND

Who would have thought this no-name tight end would become such an integral part of the Colt’s offense after Dallas Clark was injured. Tamme’s hands have looked a tad suspect at times, but Peyton Manning keeps throwing him the ball, and that’s really all that you need to know. So long as number 18 continues to look his way Tamme will be a great fantasy option. This week Tamme is playing the Patriots who have been uncharacteristically bad against the pass this year, giving up around 278 yards per game through the air this year. Tamme should find the end zone this week and rack up at least 70 yards. Solid production for any tight end.

WORST:Â Heath Miller, PIT

Miller has been a major disappointment this year. He’s only managed to score once and hasn’t had a game better than 60 yards all year. Things don’t get any easier this week as he faces off against a tough Raiders pass defense. Don’t expect Miller to turn things around this week. I recommend keeping him stashed on your bench for at least this week, and possibly even longer.

Defense

BEST:   Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have a pretty darn good defense and the Panthers suck. You don’t need me to tell you any more than that. I see the Ravens turning over Carolina multiple times and should get at least 2 sacks as well. I know this is short, but frankly, it was one of the easiest picks I’ve ever made, and it should be easy for you too.

WORST:Â Denver Broncos

They haven’t been too bad this season, but they have the rival Chargers coming in this week. The Chargers are coming off a bye, and I expect them to be well rested and ready to pick up where they left off. Philip Rivers should have a big day, as the Broncos will have trouble stopping the league’s hottest quarterback. If the Broncos do find a way to stop Rivers, the Chargers anemic run game isn’t going to save them. However, I just don’t see that happening, and I think they’ll give up at least 28 points this week.

SLEEPER OF THE WEEK

-Colt McCoy, QB, CLE

Man I’m taking a risk here, going with my second rookie QB in a row as my sleeper. However, McCoy has really looked like the spark that the Cleveland offense needed. With Peyton Hillis taking some of the pressure off of Colt, he’s been able to find just enough room to make some big plays when he’s needed it. Sure, Jacksonville has been improving as the season has gone on, but I just have a hunch that McCoy will have a nice game this week. This is one of my so-called “deep sleepers” though, so play McCoy with caution, as it could blow up in your face in a big way.

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