NFL Week 11: Five Things to Watch for

It gets repetitive, but if you’re a true NFL fan, it never gets old. The 2009 NFL season continues to be one of the more exciting, story-line filled seasons, and through 10 weeks, we still have two teams that are undefeated.

They both have endured several close calls, including a game-saving interception for the Saints and a last-second touchdown for the Colts, and are facing teams attempting to be the first to knock them off every week. Obviously two of the things we’ll all be looking for is if either of these two teams will finally fall.

Read on for the remaining hot topics in this Week 11 ‘s Five Things to Watch for:

5. Can Ricky Williams be an Elite Starting RB?

Is there any question ? All the 32-year-old does is make plays, and despite losing his partner in crime, Ronnie Brown, he should still keep on trucking as the Miami Dolphins continue their dominance in the rushing attack.

There’s no guarantee his jump to the elite level will mean Miami beats Carolina this week, or goes on to make the playoffs, but there’s little doubt that he’ll be making several fantasy owners very happy.

4. Can the Patriots Bounce Back?

Definitely. Head coach Bill Belichick made a tough call last week and basically gave the Indianapolis Colts their ninth win in 2009. But it was a gutsy call, and one that showed that he does not waiver in confidence in regards to his defense.

Look for the offense to continues its rampage on opposing defenses against a depleted and shaky New York Jets team that has gone 1-4 in its last five games.

Rex Ryan will be crying all week long .

Patriots 41, Jets 17

3. Will the Saints Keep Winning?

Let’s be honest. Did anyone with a football brain, that has watched this team this year, actually smell a possible upset against St. Louis? No, probably not, but they should have.

Any team that is smart enough to run up the gut against this lousy Saints run defense will be able to compete with them, regardless of their overall talent level. On a lighter note, if Drew Brees and co. can ever find their mojo again, it likely won’t matter. Still, this defense is missing Sedrick Ellis like no one’s business.

The Buccaneers will try their damndest, but the Saints pass defense will be good enough to keep Josh Freeman from getting his second win.

Saints 31, Buccaneers 21

2. Are the Packers Playoff Contenders?

Considering they face the 49ers, and San Francisco is likely being asked the same question, we’re about to find out. Both teams take pride in their defense, but really have only made strides in that department in the past week.

Unfortunately for football fans, instead of an offensive explosion between two former first round quarterbacks, we’re more likely to see something like the 10-6 game the 49ers played against the Chicago Bears. Same ugly style, same ugly result.

49ers 16, Packers 13

1. Can the Cardiac Colts Continue the Streak?

It’s been a remarkable ride, and as much as some experts want to believe the Baltimore Ravens are turning a corner after their shut-out against the Cleveland Browns, it’s more likely that they’re not.

The Colts did need a gimme fourth down call from the Patriots to enter Week 11 as 9-0 and the arguable best team in the league , but they are still undefeated, and are on a much higher level than the Ravens.

Baltimore’s run defense should help their offense keep it close, but it’ll be the same old mediocre ending for a disappointing Ravens team.

Colts 34, Ravens 24

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NFL Week 11 Fantasy Football Player Breakdowns

Every week we take a look at every team’s key players and their matchups for fantasy football. Check out some quick analysis on some possible studs, as well as some guys to avoid. Using the five-star rating to get a good idea on who to start and sit, in addition to the comments:

Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers

QB Chad Henne: Miami should run the ball a ton and Carolina pass defense is tops. *
QB Pat White: He should be in the mix more with the loss of Ronnie Brown for the season. **
RB Ricky Williams: Panthers run defense is soft and he should get the rock a ton now. *****
WR Davone Bess: Gets a decent amount of looks, but doesn’t do a ton. **
WR Ted Ginn: Started last week and had zero catches. Not much optimism this week. *

QB Jake Delhomme: Carolina will run the ball a lot, but he should be OK against rookie corners. **
RB DeAngelo Williams: Check his status, but if he’s active, he’s too good to pass up. *****
RB Jonathan Stewart: Value rises if Williams is out. Solid matchup. ****
WR Steve Smith: Definitely has a chance at some success this week. ***
WR Muhsin Muhammad: Had a nice effort last week, and should get a few looks. **

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs

QB Ben Roethlisberger: Chiefs corners are slow, so Big Ben could be in for a big day. *****
RB Rashard Mendenhall: Should be in for a solid bounce-back game. ***
WR Hines Ward: Matchup is great and he has been consistent all season. ****
WR Santonio Holmes: Still looking for that second score of the year, but good matchup. ****
WR Mike Wallace: Always a sneaky play, as he gets solid amount of targets. ***
TE Heath Miller: He’s been quiet the past three weeks, so he’s due for a solid game. ***

QB Matt Cassel: Chiefs will have to throw the ball, so he’ll at least be busy. **
RB Jamaal Charles: Has almost no chance against Steelers run defense, so not a good play. **
WR Chris Chambers: Should see a ton more targets with Bowe out . ****
WR Lance Long: Value also rises with Bowe out. ***

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

QB Drew Brees: He hasn’t had a truly elite game in a while. This is the one. *****
RB Pierre Thomas: Sharing the ball a lot, but bad defense still makes him a RB2. ****
RB Mike Bell: Carries have been inconsistent, and production hasn’t been there. **
RB Reggie Bush: Looked very explosive last week, so nice potential this week. ***
WR Marques Colston: Has been quiet, so this could be a nice week to break-out. ****
WR Devery Henderson: Has been losing some deep targets to Meachem, so questionable play. **
WR Robert Meachem: Has scored in two straight games, and Tampa secondary is bad. ***
TE Jeremy Shockey: Has caught at least three balls in every game, so he’s active. ***

QB Josh Freeman: His running game will have to get going for him to have a chance. *
RB Carnell Williams: Saints can’t stop the run, so not a horrible play this week. ***
RB Derrick Ward: Shares the ball, but has looked OK. Nice matchup this week. **
WR Sammie Stroughter: Saints pass defense is solid, so not a good play. *
WR Antonio Bryant: Should be back this week, but still not a great matchup. **
TE Kellen Winslow: Freeman loves him, and he’ll need him in this one. ***

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants

QB Matt Ryan: Giants pass defense is so-so and they’ll need to pass in this one. ***
RB Jason Snelling: Even if he doesn’t start, he’ll get a lot of touches. ***
RB Michael Turner: Hasn’t ruled himself out yet, but unlikely to play. **
RB Jerious Norwood: Is trying to come back, but not for certain this week. *
WR Roddy White: Should be active all day with a banged-up rush offense. ****
WR Michael Jenkins: Could see more targets than usual with Turner likely out. **
TE Tony Gonzalez: Nice matchup and he had 11 targets last week. Great play. ****

QB Eli Manning: Atlanta’s pass defense is weak and Manning looked good last game. ****
RB Brandon Jacobs: Falcons’ run defense is atrocious, so he might finally get going . ****
RB Ahmad Bradshaw: Ditto . ***
WR Steve Smith: Looked better last week, and should go as Manning goes. ****
WR Hakeem Nicks: Shares time with Manningham, but is a decent WR3. ***
WR Mario Manningham: Great matchup, so worth a shot. ***
TE Kevin Boss: Has scored in two straight and great matchup. ***

Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: Jaguars can be beat, but probably not by him. *
RB Marshawn Lynch: Is splitting carries, but Bills should try to run early. ***
RB Fred Jackson: Sharing the ball, so it still relevant. **
WR Lee Evans: Fitzpatrick loves him, so not a bad play this week. ***
WR Terrell Owens: Fitzpatrick kills his potential. **

QB David Garrard: Bills are solid against the pass, and Jaguars will run all day. **
RB Maurice Jones-Drew: Always a must-start, especially against this horrid run D. *****
WR Mike Sims-Walker: Jags might not pass a ton, but could still have a good day. ***
WR Torry Holt: Once again, when will this guy finally score a touchdown? **
TE Marcedes Lewis: Not a great matchup and not heavily involved. *

Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens

QB Peyton Manning: Ravens can be passed on, and Manning is on fire as usual. *****
RB Joseph Addai: Will have a tough time, but has been showing up. ***
RB Donald Brown: Role isn’t what it used to be, so not a good play. *
WR Reggie Wayne: Best receiver in football should put up nice numbers again. *****
WR Austin Collie: Should be fairly active underneath. ***
WR Pierre Garcon: If he can catch the ball, he can get solid numbers. ***
TE Dallas Clark: Manning loves him, so you have to play him. *****

QB Joe Flacco: Colts’ pass defense is beginning to crumble, so not a bad play. ***
RB Ray Rice: Could dominate only so-so Colts run defense. ****
RB Willis McGahee: Won’t be used enough to depend on. *
WR Derrick Mason: Could get back into a groove if needed. ***
WR Mark Clayton: Hasn’t done anything lately, so don’t expect much. **
WR Kelley Washington: Hasn’t been active at all, so don’t hope for much. *
TE Todd Heap: He’s a little banged up this week, but he’s been mildly active: **

Seattle Seahawks @ Minnesota Vikings

QB Matt Hasselbeck: He’ll have to pass all day, so numbers could be there. ***
RB Justin Forsett: The Williams Wall should be feared, but he could go all “Ray Rice ” on them. **
WR Nate Burleson: Had zero catches last week, so should bounce back against former team. ***
WR TJ Housh: Has been decent, and should be active this week. ***
TE John Carlson: Scored last week and Minnesota struggles against tight ends. ***

QB Brett Favre: Seahawks don’t do anything special, and he’s playing great football. ****
RB Adrian Peterson: Seattle couldn’t stop Hightower and Wells, so do the math. *****
WR Sidney Rice: Has had one weak game in his last four, and the matchup bodes well. ****
WR Bernard Berrian: Has been slowed by injuries all season but potential is still there. **
WR Percy Harvin: Stays involved on offense and is a monster in return leagues. ***
TE Visanthe Shiancoe: Seattle is getting killed by tight ends, so there’s a chance. ***

Cleveland Browns @ Detroit Lions

QB Brady Quinn: Detroit can’t stop the pass, so believe it or not, there’s hope. ***
RB Jamal Lewis: Should be fairly active against weak overall defense. ***
WR Mohamed Massaquoi: Isn’t reliable, but matchup could work. **
WR Mike Furrey: Was very active last week, and faces former team. **
WR Josh Cribbs: A little banged up, but should be ready for nice matchup. **

QB Matthew Stafford: Lions are likely to pound it with the run, but not a bad matchup. ***
RB Kevin Smith: Could be in for a huge workload against awful run defense *****
WR Calvin Johnson: Should see a couple targets deep. ****
WR Bryant Johnson: As long as he stays active, he’s not a horrible play this week. **
TE Brandon Pettigrew: Hasn’t done jack lately, but the matchup is nice. ***

For the final eight match-ups with fantasy analysis, go here .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Dwayne Bowe Suspended Four Weeks: Fantasy Football Impact

Kansas City Chief’s star receiver Dwayne Bowe has been suspended for four games after violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

He will be unavailable for use by the Chiefs (and fantasy owners) immediately, and won’t be back until Week 15.

While this probably drops quarterback Matt Cassel’s fantasy stock a bit, the real question is, how high can Chris Chambers’ and Lance Long’s stock climb?

Odds are, fairly high .

The Chiefs have found a new starting running back in Jamaal Charles, that is, if Todd Haley actually sticks with him, and while having Bowe around would surely help, both Chambers and Long were showing signs of coming along in the offense and connecting with Cassel.

Chambers scored two touchdowns and had 70 yards in his debut two weeks ago. This past week, he caught three passes for 60 yards for the second game in a row.

His catches will undoubtedly rise, and his potential production should be viewed as an extremely solid WR3, which should quickly rise to a WR2 status if he is successful in Week 11.

Long, on the other hand, is a relative unknown who burst onto the scene with eight catches for 74 yards in Chambers’ debut game, and quieted down for just two catches and 18 yards last week, as the Chiefs ran the ball more in Week 10.

Week 11 won’t be so friendly to Kansas City’s ground attack with a date against the run-stifling Pittsburgh Steelers, so we are almost guaranteed to see plenty of Matt Cassel. Bank on both Chambers and Long to see more looks.

Both players are at the very worst solid additions to your roster if you are hurting at receiver, and even especially more so if you are a Dwayne Bowe owner.

For more NFL and Fantasy news, go to NFLSoup.com

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Fantasy Risers: Ricky Williams

We already know what Ricky Williams is capable of doing. He’s made himself known as a quality back-up with the Miami Dolphins, and has been putting up RB2 production all season out of Miami’s consistent Wildcat package.

However, with Ronnie Brown nursing an injury and already ruled out of Thursday night’s action, Williams will be catapulted into the starting line-up, and should figure to stand as a decent RB1 play, and at the worst, his usual RB2 value.

While many experts are throwing around Pat White as the guy that will benefit the most as Brown sits out, we urge you to start Williams this week , and continue using him as he out-performs his NFL status.

Williams dropped 100 yards on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Sunday’s win, and with a nice match-up against the weak Carolina Panthers run defense. Carolina had allowed Atlanta’s Michael Turner to top 110 yards on just nine carries in Week 10, prior to him exiting the game with an ankle injury in the first half.

This is nothing but good news for the rising Williams, as the Dolphins running back has registered at least 60+ yards and/or a touchdown in every game this season, and all as a back-up.

With the extent of Ronnie Brown’s injury unknown, Williams’ value is quickly soaring, and he belongs in your starting line-up until further notice.

For more NFL breaking news and Fantasy advice, go to NFLSoup.com

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Fantasy Risers: Ricky Williams

We already know what Ricky Williams is capable of doing. He’s made himself known as a quality back-up with the Miami Dolphins, and has been putting up RB2 production all season out of Miami’s consistent Wildcat package.

However, with Ronnie Brown nursing an injury and already ruled out of Thursday night’s action, Williams will be catapulted into the starting line-up, and should figure to stand as a decent RB1 play, and at the worst, his usual RB2 value.

While many experts are throwing around Pat White as the guy that will benefit the most as Brown sits out, we urge you to start Williams this week , and continue using him as he out-performs his NFL status.

Williams dropped 100 yards on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Sunday’s win, and with a nice match-up against the weak Carolina Panthers run defense. Carolina had allowed Atlanta’s Michael Turner to top 110 yards on just nine carries in Week 10, prior to him exiting the game with an ankle injury in the first half.

This is nothing but good news for the rising Williams, as the Dolphins running back has registered at least 60+ yards and/or a touchdown in every game this season, and all as a back-up.

With the extent of Ronnie Brown’s injury unknown, Williams’ value is quickly soaring, and he belongs in your starting line-up until further notice.

For more NFL breaking news and Fantasy advice, go to NFLSoup.com

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Fantasy Football Week 10 Game-Day Check-Up: News And Line-Up Advice

DeAngelo Williams Active For Sunday

He’s active, but that doesn’t give you any guarantees on his role.

If you have Stewart, regardless of Williams’ final status, he makes for a great play on Sunday.

He’s facing a weak Atlanta run defense and is expected to see increased carries, regardless of his teammate’s injury fortunes. He should be usable as a quality RB2.

 

Brian Westbrook to Play, but Will be Limited

Westbrook has been cleared to play and will have a small role in the Eagles offense, but will still share the ball with rookie running back LeSean McCoy, and can’t be depended on for elite fantasy production .

His opponent, the San Diego Chargers, can definitely be run on, but with limited touches, Westbrook can only register as a Flex play this week.

 

Ladell Betts Active, Expected to Start

Him being active wasn’t really the issue in the past couple of days. It’s his opponent and his role that everyone is worried about.

The Denver Broncos stop the run fairly well, save for last week, and Betts’ has been rumored to be a part of a RBBC this week, instead of taking on full-fledged lead back roles. You can use him as a Flex, but don’t expect fireworks.

 

Atlanta’s Roddy White Active For Sunday

He played last week and dropped a real dud performance, so fantasy owners had every reason to be a bit weary this week. White seems to be fine, though, but a tough matchup with a very good Carolina Panthers pass defense may scare you away.

He drops from a WR1 to a WR2 this week due to his recent injury woes and a tough matchup.

 

Ted Ginn Jr. Starting For Miami Again

When wasn’t he? Unbeknown to many fantasy owners (or just no one cared), Ginn had lost his job to rookie receiver Brian Hartline, and was strictly on return duty the past couple of weeks.

However, the Miami coaches have given him another chance to prove his worth, giving him solid upside against a very beatable Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense today.

Ginn doesn’t have great value, but could serve as a decent WR3 this week.

For more news and fantasy advice, head over to NFLSoup.com.

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Fantasy Football Week Ten: Quarterback Cellar-Dweller Helpers

We know Drew Brees has a nice match-up with the St. Louis Rams, Brett Favre should be able to own the Detroit Lions, and that Aaron Rodgers is a pretty safe call, regardless of who he is facing this season.

But what about the bottom-feeders? You know, the cellar-dwellers. For the unlucky few that have to actually consider starting these guys, the real question is which of these pathetic passers is actually usable in Week Ten ?

Suprisingly, there’s a few of them. Believe it or not, in the land of Jamarcus Russells, there are a few of these guys that can step up and do a decent impression of an NFL quarterback. It usually only lasts a week, and they need a great match-up to pull it off, but the talent is there, people, oh, it’s there .

Take a look at five guys that you should never, ever, ever think about starting—except for this week:

Chad Henne (Miami Dolphins)

OK, so he’s not horrific by any means, but if he’s your regular QB1, it’s safe to say you’re not playing for the first round bye.

Henne has been a respectable and so-so QB2 if you’ve been desperate, but this week could actually make him look like a damn good quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t do hardly anything positive on defense, and with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams having one of their easiest games to date, Henne could post some fine numbers.

Vince Young (Tennessee Titans)

I know the Buffalo Bills pass defense has been killing opposing quarterbacks, and I know that while VY is undefeated as a starter this season, it’s about as hard to trust him as your starter as it is to remember your ATM card code at a casino, but you must give in to the “match-up call” this week.

The Bills defense could still make Young look lame, but with Chris Johnson running wild and making things extremely easy on the passing game, I’m actually calling for a solid stat-line. He won’t go all “Tom Brady” or anything, but 200-plus yards and a couple of scores should be enough to blow your mind and call me a genius .

Mark Sanchez (New York Jets)

Mr. Sanchize has his confidence back , has a healthy and eager-to-break-out receiving corps, and a ground game that has been clicking for over three straight weeks.

And you were excited to grab him up before . Throw in the fact that the former USC product gets to sling passes through the extremely beatable Jaguars pass defense, and you’ve got yourself a nice little Sunday gem.

He won’t ever be a reliable option in 2009 with his inconsistency and offensive philosophy, but for Week Ten, he could save your team .

Josh Freeman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Freeman trounced the Packers, and he did it almost all out of the shot-gun. The rookie threw for over 200 yards and three scores in his NFL debut, and will get another week of the delicious meal “bad pass defense” in a match-up with the Miami Dolphins.

Miami is starting two rookies who got lit-up by Randy Moss last week, and while the Bucs don’t have anyone of that stature on their roster that can dominate, Freeman has looked good enough to warrant another shot at proving it wasn’t a fluke.

Jamarcus Russell (Oakland Raiders)

How many games before he gets flat-out released or benched? More importantly, how many games is it humanly possible for a guy with a rocket arm to go without putting up anything that resembles any king of fantasy numbers?

Lord knows the guy could go a full 16-game season without impressing anyone, but there’s just too much raw talent to not hope for one tiny out-burst in Russell’s brainless, yet brawny body.

The Chiefs aren’t a great team, don’t have a great defense, and got destroyed by Mike Sims-Walker last week. The Raiders don’t have a Mike Sims-Walker, but they do have Zach Miller, and the Chiefs’ pass defense is all kinds of horrible.

There are a few other bottom-feeding options to mull over, but considering match-ups, talent and supporting cast, these guys are actually not horrible suggestions.

Hell, they very well could be, but sometimes, especially if you’re desperate enough to even be considering these options, you need to throw caution to the wind and take a shot in the dark.

Even if that shot is with a highly inaccurate pistol with the the name “Jamarcus Russell” carved into the side of it.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Clinton Portis’s Injury Could End His Season

The Washington Post is reporting the possibility that Clinton Portis could miss the remainder of the 2009 season after sustaining a concussion in Week Nine.

Portis has been ruled out for Week 10’s action after lingering effects and headaches persisted, giving back-up Ladell Betts the starting role until he returns.

However, there is speculation that Portis’s injury is severe enough that he might not be able to play for two to three weeks, which could render him a candidate for injured reserve with the Redskins already playing in a lost season, standing at 2-6.

There isn’t any official word from Washington’s front office, but the idea is more than just a rumor, as the same thing happened to Portis a few years ago with a shoulder injury. Betts took over for him then as well, as performed quite well, topping 1,000 yards in just half of a season.

Fantasy Perspective: Now is the time to shop Portis for anything you can get, or at the very worst, package him in a deal to get rid of him before you face the possibility of having to drop him for nothing.

We’re not completely buying the “out for the season” rumor, but it’s a strong threat to his fantasy status, and you’re still probably looking at him missing a couple more weeks, regardless.

Pick-up Ladell Bets for the long-term, but start thinking about trading for another RB soon, or keep a very close eye on the waiver wire for the next few weeks.

For more breaking news and fantasy updates, head over to NFLSoup.com

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DeAngelo Williams to Be Game-Time Decision: Fantasy Football Update

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported via Twitter that Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams is still dealing with a knee issue and will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

This is definitely a situation to monitor, as Williams has the ability to carry your fantasy team with one monster performance, and will necessitate a solid replacement if he can’t make Sunday’s contest.

This gives back-up Jonathan Stewart an immediate boost in fantasy value, whether or not Williams plays, as a banged-up Williams suggests Stewart’s touches and role in the offense could increase.

 

Fantasy Perspective

Williams would be a huge loss to your team if he doesn’t play this week, but Stewart definitely has the talent to do more than just be a stop-gap. He has the talent and offensive line to be a RB1 if given the chance, so if you have him, he should be in your line-up this week, regardless of whether Williams ends up playing.

On the downside, if you don’t have Stewart and are worrying about a replacement for Williams, take a quick run to your league’s waiver wire to check who is available.

For a rundown of NFL Soup’s waiver wire pickups for Week 10, click here .

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy Football Update: All Ladell Betts Are Off

You may have to replace Clinton Portis’ replacement.

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn is now leaning towards a RBBC approach for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, as back-up running back Ladell Betts has been dealing with foot and ankle issues.

Betts was in line for the majority of the carries for Washington after Clinton Portis was knocked out of last week’s game on a helmet-to-helmet hit, and was then ruled out of Week 10 ‘s action.

Even Betts admitted that he was only “75 percent” due to a foot sprain, and the carries will reportedly be distributed among Betts and two other backs on Sunday, unless he feels up to the task.

The other two running backs who could be looking at some decent grind this week are long-time kick returner Rock Cartwright, and back-up running back, Quinton Ganther.

However, Betts is the only back with great value or experience, and neither Cartwright or Ganther should be added to your fantasy roster, even if just for this one game.

Fantasy Perspective: It looks like the Redskins’ running back position is a complete wash with Betts ailing, which basically means if you were a Portis owner and were depending on Betts to bail you out, you better start looking for a new replacement, and fast.

A couple of guys that could be available on the waiver wire and hold decent value are…

Head over to NFLSoup.com for the top guys who are available on your waiver wire and could help you in a pinch this week.

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