Week 11 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em
Here is a no huddle approach toward addressing your best starts, and most advisable sits for all 28 teams that will be in action this week. That excludes the Cowboys and Rams, who will each have their byes. Game time is approaching, so we’ll immediately launch into Week 11.
Colts at Titans
Indianapolis
Start: T. Y. Hilton
There is no other Colt receiver worthy of your trust in this offense. And in the past two weeks, he has 14 receptions, while exploding for 251 yards, and those three TDs in Week 9. Just do not expect a similar stat line against Tennessee’s formidable CB tandem of Alterraun Verner and Jason McCourty.
Other Starts: Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener
Sit: Trent Richardson
The 2.55 YPC that he averaged in Weeks 8 and 9 were abysmal. But the 0.4 that he registered in Week 10 by rushing for just two yards on five carries was actually far worse. Even against the league’s 21st ranked run defense, he will only disappoint you.
Other Sits: Donald Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Griff Whalen, LaVon Brazill
Tennessee
Start: Kendall Wright
Wright has proven himself to be the most dependable on a weekly basis. Even with the unplanned QB switch to Ryan Fitzpatrick, he received the most targets, and responded by leading the team in yardage and receptions.
Other Starts: Chris Johnson, Delanie Walker
Sit: Nate Washington
You need to find a better option. As he has failed to exceed 30 receiving yards in four of the past five contests, and has not scored since Week 4. And do not be surprised if Justin Hunter soon seizes a larger role.
Other Sits: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Shonn Greene, Justin Hunter
Jets at Bills
New York
Start: Chris Ivory
While the workloads of Ivory and Bilal Powell have fluctuated, Ivory has garnered the heavier volume with more frequency in recent weeks, and responded by exceeding 100 yards in both Week 7 and Week 9. Making him the most likely Jet RB to exploit a Buffalo run defense that yields 115 YPG.
Other Starts: Geno Smith (2 QB Leagues), Santonio Holmes
Sit: Jeremy Kerley
None of the Jets’ receiving options have distinguished themselves as a reliable weekly option. Plus, Santonio Holmes should now return as the tea’s WR1. That should lead you to search elsewhere.
Other Sits: Bilal Powell, Stephen Hill, David Nelson, Jeff Cumberland
Buffalo
Start: None
Unless you are beyond desperate, there are no Bills that should be trusted this week. The Jets’ top ranked rush defense will smother C. J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. And both Steve Johnson and Roberts Woods are unlikely to perform. Better days are ahead following Buffalo’s bye, but wait until that time.
Other Starts: None
Sit: C. J. Spiller
He could only manage 2.9 YPC and 23 yards against a Pittsburgh defense that entered their matchup ranked 31st versus the run. Now, he must negotiate a Jet defense that leads the league in stifling opposing rushers. All of which makes it wise to sit him until he returns rested and (hopefully) healthier in Week 13.
Other Sits: E. J. Manuel, Fred Jackson, Steve Johnson, Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin
Falcons at Buccaneers
Atlanta
Start: Harry Douglas
Remarkably, a myriad of problems for this offense have elevated Douglas into Atlanta’s most viable starting option this week. If Douglas lines up in the slot as expected, Roddy White will be smothered by Darrelle Revis. Leaving Douglas to supply owners with an acceptable yardage total.
Other Starts: Matt Ryan (2 QB Leagues), Tony Gonzalez
Sit: Roddy White
His numbers are likely to improve in the upcoming weeks. But given his modest target total (four), underwhelming output (one catch for 20 yards), and the presence of Revis this week, it is best to see better results before you return him to your starting lineup.
Other Sits: Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers
Tampa Bay
Start: Vincent Jackson
It is troubling that he has only accumulated 39 yards in the last two contests combined. But he should remain in your lineups against Atlanta’s 25th ranked pass defense, which has yielded a whopping 19 TDs.
Other Starts: Mike Glennon (2 QB Leagues)
Sit: Timothy Wright
He had been averaging six targets over his last five contests before receiving just one last Monday night. While that may be an anomaly, it would be wise to use an alternative TE.
Other Sits: Bobby Rainey, Brian Leonard, Tiquan Underwood
Lions at Steelers
Detroit
Start: Reggie Bush
There are no surprises while discussing which Lions to start. But even though Pittsburgh effectively neutralized Buffalo’s rushing tandem last week, Detroit would be wise to attack with a hefty percentage of Bush, rather than continually throwing against the Steelers’ fourth ranked pass defense.
Other Starts: Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson
Sit: Kris Durham
Even though Nate Burleson’s return has been delayed at least one more week, you should have a better option than Durham on your rosters.
Other Sits: Joique Bell, Brandon Pettigrew
Pittsburgh
Start: Ben Roethlisberger
He has thrown multiple TD passes just twice all season. Yet, due to injuries and disappointing performances by some of his counterparts, he is a borderline top 10 option.
Other Starts: Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Emmanuel Sanders
Sit: Heath Miller
It may initially be difficult to bench him because of performances in previous seasons. But he should not be on your lineups. He has failed to reach 20 yards in three of Pittsburgh’s last four games.
Other Sits: None
Redskins at Eagles
Washington
Start: Jordan Reed
37 of his 58 targets have taken place in Washington’s last four contests, and has responded with 27 catches for 323 yards and two TDs. He joins Pierre Garcon as RG3’s primary receiving weapons, and is unquestionably an every week starter.
Other Starts: Robert Griffin III, Alfred Morris, Pierre Garcon
Sit: Leonard Hankerson
He has generated enough production to entice some owners toward using him, but does not receive enough consistent looks to merit that risk.
Other Sits: Roy Helu, Santana Moss
Philadelphia
Start: Riley Cooper
He has produced at least 88 yards in four of the past five contests, while scoring six times during that span. That level of production with Nick Foles under center cannot be dismissed, and he should be in all lineups as a result.
Other Starts: Nick Foles, LeSean McCoy, Desean Jackson
Sit: Brent Celek
With just 13 targets in the past five games combined, it is clear that Chip Kelly is not going to utilize Celek with enough frequency for owners to deploy him
Other Sits: Jason Avant, Zach Ertz
Ravens at Bears
Baltimore
Start: Torrey Smith
As strange as it appears, the Bears are allowing 27 PPG to opponents. While they struggle most against opposing rushers, Baltimore is likely to find more success through the air. And the Ravens’ WR1 will deliver favorable numbers.
Other Starts: Joe Flacco (2 QB Leagues), Marlon Brown
Sit: Ray Rice
Even with an enticing matchup, I can’t recommend trotting out Rice and his 2.5 YPC unless we witness some semblance of a turnaround.
Other Sits: Bernard Pierce, Jacoby Jones, Dallas Clark
Chicago
Start: Alshon Jeffery
He has produced over 100 yards in four of the last six contests, and has scored three times during that span. Lock him into your lineups
Other Starts: Josh McCown (2 QB Leagues), Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall
Sit: Martellus Bennett
You may not be able to bench him due to the relative dearth of options in many leagues. But he has failed to exceed 40 yards in Chicago’s last three contests.
Other Sits: None
Browns at Bengals
Cleveland
Start: Jordan Cameron
His drop-off in targets with Jason Campbell under center is a concern. But he receives one more start here in hopes that bye week adjustments will correct the situation.
Other Starts: Jason Campbell (2 QB Leagues), Josh Gordon
Sit: Chris Ogbonnaya
No RB can be trusted with a rushing attack that ranks just 26th, with just one TD all season.
Other Sits: Willis McGahee, Fozzy Whittaker, Greg Little, Davone Bess
Cincinnati
Start: Marvin Jones
Gaining yardage against Cleveland’s sixth ranked rush defense will not be easy, and A. J. Green will be shadowed by Joe Haden. All of which should force the Bengals to utilize other receiving weapons, and Jones should be targeted frequently.
Other Starts: Andy Dalton (2 QB Leagues), Giovani Bernard, A. J. Green
Sit: BenJarvus Green-Ellis
He has been limited to 36 yards or less in three of the past four games, and has not scored since Week 5. More insufficient numbers are coming against the Browns’ sturdy run defense.
Other Sits: Mohamed Sanu, Tyler Eifert, Jermaine Gresham
Raiders at Texans
Oakland
Start: Denarius Moore
Despite the collection of inadequacies that exist within Oakland’s offense.His 70 targets easily lead the Raiders, and the knowledge that he will continue to receive opportunities provides enough reason to use him.
Other Starts: Rashad Jennings
Sit: Terrelle Pryor
His deficiencies continue their rise to the surface, as he has failed to generate a TD pass since Week 6, while tossing eight INTs and repeatedly making poor decisions during that span. Even in deeper leagues he can be dropped without hesitation. And you certainly do not want to start him.
Other Sits: Marcel Reece, Rod Streater
Houston
Start: DeAndre Hopkins
He led the Texans with six receptions and 69 yards in Week 10, and has now accumulated 199 in three games with Case Keenum as the signal caller. He will benefit from an appealing matchup with Oakland this week, as only five teams have yielded more touchdown passes than the 18 that the Raiders have surrendered. They have also struggled mightily to contain their opponents’ secondary receivers in recent weeks (326 yards, five TDs).
Other Starts: Case Keenum, Ben Tate, Andre Johnson, Garrett Graham
Sit: Dennis Johnson
While you certainly don’t want to start him at this point, he is worth having on your roster. Because he would instantly become an RB1 if Tate is forced to the sidelines.
Other Sits: DeVier Posey
Cardinals at Jaguars
Arizona
Start: Andre Ellington
The Jaguars rank dead last in run defense, and are currently surrendering 153 YPG. That is 24 YPG more than the league’s second worst run stoppers. Even if Ellington continues to be negatively impacted by Bruce Arians’ well-chronicled snap count, he should still accumulate a very favorable yardage total. Do not be surprised to see him burst for a long TD run, to satisfy his owners even further.
Other Starts: Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts
Sit: Rob Housler
His season high 57 yards in Week 10 appears to have created some interest among the fantasy community, as did his TD. But his target totals have been wildly inconsistent. Plus, that was the first time that the third-year TE has discovered the end zone during his career.
Other Sits: Rashard Mendenhall, Michael Floyd
Jacksonville
Start: Mike Brown
The Cardinals will stifle Jacksonville’s ground game, which will force the Jaguars to the air. Then with Cecil Shorts being shadowed effectively by Patrick Peterson, Chad Henne will be compelled to target Brown.
Other Starts: Cecil Shorts
Sit: Maurice Jones-Drew
If bye weeks and an overall shortage of RBs negate your option of sitting him, only employ him as a flex against the NFL’s third best run defense.
Other Sits: Chad Henne, Stephen Burton, Marcedes Lewis
Chargers at Dolphins
San Diego
Start: Danny Woodhead
Both Woodhead and Ryan Mathews will be successful in navigating yardage through Miami’s 25th ranked rush defense. But Woodhead’s duel threat capabilities will pose massive problems for the Dolphin defenders. It is also likely that he will discover the end zone during this matchup.
Other Starts: Philip Rivers, Ryan Mathews, Keenan Allen, Antonio Gates
Sit: Eddie Royal
The Chargers’ ground game should flourish, which will reduce the number of throws from Rivers. That will not impact Alen and Gates to the degree that it will Royal, who will not garner enough targets to merit starting him.
Other Sits: Vincent Brown
Miami
Start: Rishard Matthews
You absolutely should not chase his Week 10 numbers. But, his output did confirm that Matthews can manufacture fantasy points each week as Miami’s slot receiver. With Ryan Tannehill consistently under siege from opposing pass rushers, he will attempt to locate Mathews frequently. And if injuries and the bye week have impacted your lineups, Mathews will receive enough opportunities to serve as your WR3.
Other Starts: Ryan Tannehill (2 QB Leagues), Lamar Miller, Brian Hartline, Charles Clay
Sit: Mike Wallace
Despite being 15th among all WRs with 79 targets, he simply is not providing owners with consistent output. Making it too risky to trust him.
Other Sits: Daniel Thomas
Vikings at Seahawks
Minnesota
Start: John Carlson
Kyle Rudolph’s fractured foot has dramatically impacted Carlson’s role within the Viking offense. He garnered a team high seven targets in Week 10, which enabled him to lead the Vikings in receptions (seven), yardage (98) and score his first touchdown since September, 2010. He should remain a serviceable starting option until Rudolph returns.
Other Starts: Adrian Peterson
Sit: Greg Jennings
His provided further proof that no WRs from this roster can be trusted to produce with any consistency. At least until Patterson’s snap count rises dramatically.
Other Sits: Christin Ponder, Jerome Simpson, Cordarrelle Patterson
Seattle
Start: Percy Harvin
It is possible that he will be performing on a snap count. Yet, he will be highly motivated while facing his former team. And even if his snaps will be capped, his playmaking ability should enable him to torch a dreadful pass defense that ranks 29th, and has surrendered a league worst 21 TDs.
Other Starts: Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Golden Tate
Sit: Doug Baldwin
Hopefully, you were able to take advantage of his favorable output in Weeks 9 and 10. But with Harvin’s return, his time as your starter has ended.
Other Sits: Jermaine Kearse, Zach Miller
49ers at Saints
San Francisco
Start: Frank Gore
The 49ers best chance to win is by attacking the Saints 23rd run defense. Owners need to hope that the Saints do not establish a large lead as they have in all previous home matchups. Otherwise, San Francisco will likely be forced to abandon the run.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Colin Kaepernick
This is setting up to be a frustrating day for Kaepernick and his owners. San Francisco currently has the NFL’s worst passing attack, which has managed just 174 YPG. Yet, Kaepernick must now attempt to accumulate yardage against the NFL’s third best pass defense, which has sacked opposing QBs 29 times. You are officially advised to look elsewhere.
Other Sits: Anquan Bolden, Mario Manningham
New Orleans
Start: Pierre Thomas
Despite a crowded backfield, Thomas should receive ample opportunities to stockpile fantasy points. He easily leads the Saints in rushing yards, and is third among all RBs with 46 receptions.
Other Starts: Drew Brees, Darren Sproles, Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham
Sit: Mark Ingram
It would be wise to avoid chasing his career best performance from Week 10. He remains the Saints’ RB3, and starting him would be assuming that he can garner 15+ touches again. In reality, it will be too difficult for him to attain a yardage total that can remotely approach the 145 that he assembled last Sunday Night.
Other Sits: Lance Moore
Packers at Giants
Green Bay
Start: Eddie Lacy
His 3.0 YPC in Week 10 was the lowest since Green Bay’s opener, and teams may continue to without the need to fear an aerial assault from Aaron Rodgers, teams may continue to focus on containing him. But he has carried the ball at least 22 times in each of the past six contests, and should produce enough yardage to warrant the start.
Other Starts: Jordy Nelson, Jarrett Boykin
Sit: James Jones
He was on the field for 74 of 80 snaps last Sunday, yet only managed four receptions. Nelson and Boykin will receive more targets, making Jones a risky start.
Other Sits: James Starks, Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick
New York
Start: Andre Brown
He was on the field for 48 of 65 snaps while being “eased into the offense”, and achieved career highs in carries (30) and yardage (115). There is no reason to consider sitting him based upon that season debut.
Other Starts: Eli Manning (2 QB Leagues), Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Rueben Randle
Sit: Peyton Hillis
Brown has seized the starting role, and Hillis will not receive enough carries to help his owners.
Other Sits: Brandon Jacobs
Chiefs at Broncos
Kansas City
Start: Jamaal Charles
The Chiefs return from their bye for an AFC West showdown, and one indisputable truth remains: Charles is their only trustworthy fantasy starter.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Dwayne Bowe
Setting an off-field concerns aside, a season high 12 targets helped him to his best production of the year in Week 9. But even in a favorable matchup, depending upon Alex Smith to locate him frequently is too risky.
Other Sits: Alex Smith, Donnie Avery, Anthony Fasano
Denver
Start: Wes Welker
Even with two weeks for Andy Reed to scheme against Denver’s aerial assault, Welker owners will witness a significant rebound from his disappointing Week 10 output.
Other Starts: Peyton Manning, Knowshon Moreno, Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Julius Thomas
Sit: Montee Ball
It is time to stop holding your collective breath that Ball will be a sneaky flex play. He is not slowly capturing Moreno’s touches as some have led owners to believe.
Other Sits: None
Patriots at Panthers
New England
Start: Aaron Dobson
Earlier this season, Dobson’s drops and general ineffectiveness were clear indications that he was not ready to be one of Tom Brady’s primary options. But the rookie has displayed far more proficiency in recent weeks, while ascending into a starting slot. He was targeted nine times in Week 9, assembled a career best 130 yards and scored two touchdowns. His extensive snap count and increasing role should make him a consistent WR3 for the remainder of the season.
Other Starts: Tom Brady, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Amendola, Rob Gronkowski
Sit: Brandon Boldin
He received a season low three touches in Week 9, and the return of Vereen will decrease his role even further.
Other Sits: Julian Edelman
Carolina
Start: Greg Olsen
He should bounce back sufficiently from his substandard Week 10 production which makes him the best option. Because the Patriots will attempt to neutralize Newton, and the rushing yardage will be split among the RB trio.
Other Starts: Steve Smith
Sit: Cam Newton
His three disappointing performances have occurred against well coached defenses that contain playmakers (Seattle, Arizona, San Francisco). Bill Belichick has been provided with an additional week to determine how his unit can frustrate Newton, and it is best to use another option if you can.
Other Sits: DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, Brandon LaFell, Ted Ginn
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