Week 11 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em

So many. Yes, I am referring to the teams on bye-weeks the last two weeks. Hopefully, you survived. However, if not, like me, there’s still hope, but it puts you in a must-win situation this week, and it makes for a very stressful upcoming week.

Unfortunately, the NFL season has flown by, and we’re very close to Thanksgiving Day games, and the fantasy playoffs. Playoffs? Yes, we’re close to the playoffs. That is sad for owners whose team is out, but exciting for owners whose team is contending, or in.

This week, there are only some teams on bye-weeks. The Ravens, Cowboys, Jaguars, and Jets have the week off. Thus, I must help you with your lineup issues once again. Remember, thank me if you win, but it’s not my fault if you lose. Let’s get started.

Week 11 Start ‘Em Start ‘Em

Start Of The Week: Terrance West vs. Houston

Projected Fantasy Points: 14

West continued his momentum last Thursday, rushing for 94 yards on 26 carries, and he added a TD. West was the premier back for the Browns, and played very well in his role. He should continue his success on Sunday, when faces the Texans, which have allowed the 23^rd most fantasy points to opposing rushers this season. He should once again see the premier role for the Browns, and in a home matchup, he should a lot of touches. There are barely any situations that I would sit West come Sunday.

Bust Alert Of The Week: Lamar Miller vs. Buffalo

Projected Fantasy Points: 5

Miller is still dealing with the shoulder injury, and he has been limited in practice this week. Speaking of limited, he saw a limited role last week against Detroit and put up a dud. He only saw 4 carries, which means that the injury could be more serious than we all originally thought. That could be a worry this week, especially in a short week playing on Thursday Night. The matchup is not favorable at all, as Buffalo has allowed just 12.4 fantasy PPG to opposing running backs, which ranks 3^rd in the NFL. I have no doubt that Miller could be a major bust this week.

Quarterbacks Start ‘Em: Robert Griffin III vs. Tampa Bay

Projected Fantasy Points: 23

Griffin was very solid in his first game coming off of injury two weeks ago against the Vikings, as he was 18 for 28 passing, and threw for 251 yards and a TD. This week, he plays the Buccaneers. We all know what that means. Everyone has been torching Tampa Bay, even the struggling quarterbacks. The Bucs have allowed the 29^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. RG3, coming off of a bye-week, should have a very good day at home Sunday.

Quarterbacks Sit ‘Em: Russell Wilson at Kansas City

Projected Fantasy Points: 17

Wilson continues to struggle over these last couple of weeks, as last week he threw for just 172 yards in a mediocre performance. He saved his production by racking up 102 rushing yards and a rushing TD, but that came later in the game. Wilson’s production is being harmed by barely producing TDs. Every time Seattle reaches the goal line, it seems like Marshawn Lynch is the man they go to, and I don’t blame them. In Week 11, Wilson has to travel on the road to face the Chiefs, in a hostile environment. This matchup is not favorable either, as the Chiefs only allow an average of 16.2 fantasy PPG to opposing QBs this season, which ranks among the top 5 in the NFL. If you have a better option, which there are plenty of, I’d consider sitting Russell this weekend.

Running Backs Start ‘Em: Steven Jackson at Carolina

Projected Fantasy Points: 12

Jackson has actually playing very well lately, as he has scored in each of his last two games. It seems like Atlanta is going back to the running game more, as Jackson racked up 16 carries last week, and 18 the game before. Jackson rolls into a favorable matchup against the Panthers, which have allowed the 25^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. The Panthers’ defense is having all kinds of struggles, as we saw last week against the Eagles. I’m starting Jackson this week, as he should be productive.

Running Backs Start ‘Em: Ryan Mathews vs. Oakland

Projected Fantasy Points: 13

Mathews is set to return this week, after he’s missed the last 7 games with a knee injury. Branden Oliver had been filling in the lead back duties for the Chargers; however, Oliver has struggled over the last couple of weeks, and so has the Chargers’ offense, mainly because they have barely had a run game. Thus, Mathews should regain the starting role and many Charger’s players have said that the offense misses Mathews a ton. In his return, Mathews goes head to head with the Raiders, which rank 29^th against the run, and allowed C.J. Andersen to have a great day last week, and let up two TDs to Marshawn Lynch the week before. Mathews could be in store for a big day on Sunday, and I’d start him if you own him.

Running Backs Sit ‘Em: Bishop Sankey vs. Pittsburgh

Projected Fantasy Points: 6

Sankey continues to be a major disappointment in fantasy, following all of his pre-season hype. Sankey has gotten over 16 carries in each of his last three games, but has failed to produce. He is averaging just 3.9 YPC, and has yet to top 61 yards in a game this season. It is also very hard to rely on Sankey, as once Tennessee gets down to the goal line, it is usually either Shonn Greene or Leon Washington that are fed the ball. Although Pittsburgh statistically has been struggling against the run, they’ve picked it up over the last two weeks. The Titans also could be playing from behind in this game, which takes away from Sankey’s touches. It’d be tough for me to start Sankey this week, as he’s very hard to trust.

Wide Receivers Start ‘Em: James Jones at San Diego

Projected Fantasy Points: 10

I know what you’re thinking. This isn’t waiver wire, it’s Start ‘Em sit ‘Em. Yes, I know, and Jones is a good start this week. He’s probably not owned in your league, but if you’re having receiver problems this week with Dez Bryant, Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, and Percy Harvin all on byes, Jones is a sneaky good start this week, and here is why: Jones has been a target machine so far this season, racking up 12 targets last week, and 11 two weeks ago. He is, without a doubt, Derek Carr’s favorite target. This week, Jones heads to San Diego, a team that ranks 19^th in the NFL against opposing receivers this season. Plus, that stat is more in favor for the Chargers because to this point, they haven’t faced many great receivers. When they have, those receivers have done very well, like Emmanuel Sanders for instance. The Raiders should throw the ball a ton, because they could be trailing on the road in this game. I like Jones a lot this week, and I would definitely start him if he is available or if you own him.

Wide Receivers Start ‘Em: T.Y. Hilton vs. New England

Projected Fantasy Points: 17

Hilton continues to be a fantasy stud this season, as he has had over 100 yards receiving in 3 out of his last 5 games. Not only that, but Hilton has been scoring some touchdowns, which was a problem of his last years. On Sunday Night, Hilton faces off with the Patriots, and this game should be a shootout. Thus, Indy should be airing the ball out; which means a lot of catches for Hilton. I am exciting for Hilton this week, and I wouldn’t even consider sitting him.

Wide Receivers Sit ‘Em: John Brown vs. Detroit

Projected Fantasy Points: 6

There is a lot of hype surrounding Brown, as he produced his 2^nd double-digit fantasy performance in the last 3 weeks last week. However, in both of those performances, Brown has caught a deep bomb for a TD, and there is no guarantee that will happen again. Both of those deep touchdowns boosted his performances significantly. Also, Drew Stanton is now quarterbacking Arizona, and although Brown caught a TD from Stanton, it may be tough to trust Drew. This week, Brown faces Detroit, which have allowed the 2^nd least fantasy points to his position this season. Not only should you sit Brown this week, but I would try to sell high on him, also.

Tight Ends Start ‘Em: Kyle Rudolph at Chicago

Projected Fantasy Points: 9

Rudolph practiced on Wednesday, and is expected to return from injury on Sunday. What a great week to return against the Bears, which come in allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this season, 13. The tight end position has been very thin this season, and if you’re one who streams tight ends, Rudolph is an excellent option on Sunday.

Tight Ends Sit ‘Em: Zach Ertz at Green Bay

Projected Fantasy Points: 2

I don’t know why owners still have faith in Ertz, frankly it just hasn’t happened this year-fantasy wise. Ertz hasn’t put together a good fantasy performance since back in Week 6, and that was his first good one since Week 2. He is no longer being targeted much, as Ertz has a total of just 5 targets in his last two games. I would consider cutting Ertz, and definitely sitting him this week.

Defense/Special Teams Start ‘Em: Buffalo Bills at Miami

Projected Fantasy Points: 15

This is quite easy to me, as I have the Bills DST my number 1 ranked defense this week. The Bills D has been so good this season, and I don’t understand why they aren’t owned in 100% of leagues. They have double-digit fantasy points in all but one game since Week 4, and that trend should continue Thursday Night. The Bills play the Dolphins, who are missing their star offensive lineman, Branden Albert for the season. Albert was the core of the offensive line for Miami, and Buffalo, which already generates tons of sacks, should have a field day getting to Ryan Tannehill on Thursday Night; start them.

Defense/Special Teams Sit ‘Em: Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay

Projected Fantasy Points: 3

This is also easy, a defense going on the road to take on the hottest offense in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. There is not more to it, the Packers should put up plenty of points this week and there is no reason for you to start the Philly D. However, the Eagles’ defense has been good this season, and if someone dropped them, you could pick them up if you have a roster spot open.

I hope everybody enjoyed this Week 11 Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em, and I’ll be back next week! Follow me on Twitter: @Nadelman99 for Fantasy talk, advice, or any questions you may have. Feedback on my articles is always appreciated.