By week 11 you should have a very good idea as to your chance to make the playoffs. For me, my seasons are over. Injuries, again this year, have keyed my failure. Even with advanced planning during the draft to select backups and keep a close eye on the waiver wire.
As we have seen in years past when teams have secured a playoff spot before the end of the year, some big name players might not get the sort of playing time you, as a fantasy owner expect. So while many owners headed to the post season are banking on a big playoff run, you might have to dial back your expectations and look to make a few moves in order to assure your run to the championship.
Much like last week we have another round of injuries that could have more players being picked up this week off the wire. Injuries include Willis McGahee (knee), Julio Jones (ankle), Dennis Pitta (concussion), LeSean McCoy (concussion), Donnie Avery (concussion), Issac Redman (concussion), Dwayne Bowe (concussion), Rob Gronkowski (broken forearm) and Blaine Gabbert (Elbow).
With that said, here is the watch list as we go into week 11 of the NFL.
QUARTERBACK
Chad Henne MIA 16-33-354-4
Henne had played in the last 2 games (in relief) for JAX, but put up career numbers yesterday in the overtime loss to HOU. He looked outstanding in relief of Gabbert who left with injury. Hard to say what happens if Gabbert is healthy in week 12 when JAX plays TEN. Gabbert could post another good day in week 12 if given the start.
Other notables: None
RUNNING BACK (number in (#) represent targets)
Beanie Wells ARI
The Cardinals running game has been horrid recently and Wells coming back in week 12 could be what they need. Keep an eye on the news surrounding Wells this week. His schedule isn’t great for the playoffs, so taper expectations.
Bryce Brown PHL 5-35
Brown might have just gained value after week 11 with the concussion to LeSean McCoy. He averaged 7 YPC on 5 carries and totaled 35 yards. If McCoy misses time, Brown will be the starter. Week 12 has PHL playing CAR.
Ronnie Hillman DEN 12-43, (2)2-16/Lance Ball DEN 6-35, (3)3-21
McGahee left the game as a precaution (knee) in the second quarter with Hillman and Ball seeing increased action while splitting time. It remains to be seen how DEN will use these RBs if McGahee misses time. Both would be worth a flex start vs KC in week 11.
Bilal Powell NYJ 11-42-2, (2)2-18
Powell posted a career high, 11 carries vs STL rushing for 42 yards and 2 TDs in the 4th quarter. Powell has the opportunity to overshadow Greene, who has largely been unimpressive this year. Look for Powell to spell Greene and try to gain a larger share of the workload as the season rolls on. Week 12 Powell could be considered a flex player vs NEP.
Justin Forsett HOU 7-59, (2)1-6
With HOU headed to the playoffs and Tate still injured, Forsett saw plenty of action for HOU on Sunday. He rushed 7-59 in relief of Foster. Depending on how HOU plays, Forsett could see an increased roll in order to save Foster and avoid injury. HOU plays Detroit on Thanksgiving.
Other notables: Jalen Parmele JAX 24-80, (3)3-3, James Starks GBP 25-74, (1)1-6
WIDE RECEIVER (number in (#) represent targets)
Danario Alexander SDG (11)7-96-2
A continued strong showing for the newest Charger and now seems to be on the same page as Rivers, something he hasn’t had with any WR this season. Alexander got his points in garbage time for San Diego, but fantasy owners don’t care. Alexander was targeted 11 times and hauled in 2 TDs. Good match up in week 12 vs BAL.
Justin Blackmon JAX (13)7-236-1
The rookie broke out for JAX yesterday posting career yardage with Henne at QB. Blackmon also found the endzone for only the second time this season and lead the team with 13 targets. With a reinvigorated offense, Blackmon could be a strong start next week vs TEN.
Cecil Shorts JAX (6)3-81-1
Shorts has come into his own this season, as the best WR in JAX. Shorts was overshadowed by Blackmon, but still hauled in 1 TD from Henne. In fact the offense posted great numbers with the injury to Gabbert. Viable starter in week 11 vs TEN.
Brandon Gibson STL (5)3-9-2
The stats aren’t impressive, but the fact he found the endzone twice is, which means Bradford is looking for him in the red zone. Amendola usually draws most of the attention, so Gibson could be worth a look. Next week STL playing ARI.
Other notables: Brandon Stokley (5)4-55-1, Devone Bess MIA (11)6-50-1, T.Y. Hilton (9)6-100-2
TIGHT END
Marcedes Lewis BAL
Lewis, like the rest of the offense benefited from Henne at QB. Lewis put up his best game of the year, finding the endzone twice, he had not scored since week 4. Look at Lewis only if Henne remains the starting QB.
Ben Watson CLE (8)4-47-2
Not sure why Weedon hasn’t looked to the veteran more than has this season. A sure handed TE was targeted a season high 8 times yesterday and posted his first multi-TD game of the year. At this point, his value is still low as he isn’t being used like in years past.
Other notables: Brandon Myers OAK (10)-6-55-1, Dallas Clark TBB (11)7-58-1, Garrett Graham HOU (9)8-82-2