Fantasy Football Week 11: Takeaways from Sunday's Action

Week 11 of the fantasy football season had way too many devastating and season-ending injuries.

The list includes: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, Bengals running back Gio Bernard, Philadelphia Eagles running backs Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews, Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller, Seattle Seahawks running back C.J. Prosise, Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy and Bills wide receiver Robert Woods.

A lot of these injuries could be damning to your season given the trade deadline's passing, but there are always some waiver wire targets to look at in case of emergency.

Of course, Miller and Green are on one of my teams. Yes, I got throttled this week.

Let's rebound together—hopefully some of the replacement options I suggest are available in your league.

Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell Absolutely Dominates Browns

David Richard/Associated Press

With far from perfect weather conditions in Cleveland, the Pittsburgh Steelers were forced to turn to their running game to carry them to a 24-9 win over the Cleveland Browns.

It's a damn good thing they have Le'Veon Bell as their starting running back.

In this game, Bell torched the Browns for 201 yards and a score on 36 total touches.

This was one of Bell's best games of the season, especially on the ground with 146 rushing yards.

If you own Bell heading into the playoffs, you're a very lucky person.

Browns QB Cody Kessler Injured in Loss

Ron Schwane/Associated Press

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler could be shut down for the season after suffering the second concussion of his rookie year in Week 11.

Kessler has performed well this season for being a later-round draft pick and, well, playing on the Browns.

In his place, fellow quarterback Josh McCown will take over. Ironically, this should provide a boost to the fantasy production of both wide receiver Terrelle Pryor Sr. and tight end Gary Barnidge.

After McCown entered the game, Barnidge caught a touchdown.

Barnidge is in TE1 territory with McCown at the helm.

Ravens RBs Combine for 14 Carries

Ron Jenkins/Associated Press

Although Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West scored on a 16-yard touchdown, the Ravens run game disappointed once again, with West and fellow running back Kenneth Dixon combining for 14 carries (eight for West; six for Dixon) for 82 yards.

As you can see, the running game seemed to be doing well, but the Ravens abandoned it to try to get back in the game against the Dallas Cowboys.

West and Dixon are splitting carries, but they aren't getting enough to be anything more than RB2s or flex options—they're touchdown dependent.

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott Held Under 4 YPC

Michael Ainsworth/Associated Press

The Baltimore Ravens may have lost the game, but hell, they won in the "hold Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott under four yards per carry" department.

Yup, the Ravens held Elliott to 3.9 yards per carry—Woohoo!

Elliott still had a great game, rushing for 97 yards and catching four passes for 30 yards, but he was held scoreless.

This was Elliott's worst YPC average since Week 1, but it was against the best rush defense in the NFL.

Elliott is now over 1,100 rushing yards on the season—he's an absolute beast.

Lions Offense Stalls Out, Totals 14 Rushing Yards

Jose Juarez/Associated Press

If not for a pick-six and a punt return for six, the Detroit Lions would have lost in Week 11 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Lions offense was anemic in this game, with running backs Theo Riddick and Dwayne Washington rushing for 19 yards on 17 carries. Also, "No. 1 wide receiver" Marvin Jones was held to just one catch.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 278 yards with no touchdowns or turnovers, making for a pedestrian performance.

The only fantasy-relevant players on the Lions were Riddick (eight catches for 70 yards) and tight end Eric Ebron (three receptions for 70 yards; one rushing touchdown).

Hopefully the Lions can rebound in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Jaguars WR Allen Robinson Salvages Day with TD

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

Phew.

Three catches. 18 yards. One touchdown.

That was Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson's stat line in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions.

Without the touchdown, Robinson would have had just two catches for 15 yards.

Lions cornerback Darius Slay was on Robinson most of the day, and Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles didn't play a great game despite his two touchdown passes.

Hopefully we see more of Weeks 9 and 10 Robinson moving forward.

Robinson will go up against the Buffalo Bills in Week 12.

Death, Taxes, Colts WR Donte Moncrief TDs

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

In five games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief has caught four touchdown passes.

Moncrief may have his touchdowns, but his yardage hasn't been anything to brag about this year, averaging just over 49 yards in the games in which he's scored.

Without a touchdown, Moncrief will post mediocre fantasy numbers.

Titans WR Rishard Matthews Posts Season Highs in Catches and Yards

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

With Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota playing at such a high level, his receivers are benefiting.

A lot.

Benefiting to the point where wide receiver Rishard Matthews is the WR13 in PPR leagues since Week 2.

In Week 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, Matthews didn't score, but he did catch nine passes for over 100 yards.

Mariota doesn't appear to be slowing down, so don't expect Matthews to either. He's a WR2 at worst the rest of the way.

A.J. Green Injures Hamstring, Likely Done for the Season

Gary Landers/Associated Press

According to Geoff Hobson of the Cincinnati Bengals official team site, the Bengals fear that wide receiver A.J. Green tore his hamstring and is done for the year.

Yeah, they're waiting on an MRI, but that is just delaying the inevitable.

This is a monster blow to Green, the Bengals and fantasy owners everywhere.

If you're headed to the waiver wire looking for a replacement at receiver for Green, you can look toward Bengals rookie wide receiver Tyler Boyd, who is owned in just five percent of Yahoo leagues.

Green will end his season as the WR4 in PPR leagues.

Bills RB LeSean McCoy Hurt; Should Be OK for Week 12

Gary Landers/Associated Press

Although he'll require surgery on a dislocated finger, expect Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy back in Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Joe Buscaglia of WKBW Buffalo.

With all the injuries in Week 11, we can at least rest our hat on McCoy's avoiding a serious injury.

McCoy will be a nice asset to own down the stretch during a playoff run, despite this little hiccup.

If McCoy does go for the Bills in Week 12, he'll be an RB1 against the Jaguars. If not, fire up fellow Bills running back Mike Gillislee as an RB2.

Bills WR Robert Woods Injured; Seen on Crutches After Game

Gary Landers/Associated Press

As if the receiving depth could get any more shallow for the Buffalo Bills.

While the Bills may have beaten the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11, it seems they've lost their No. 1 receiver Robert Woods for some period of time after he was seen on crutches following the game, according to Joe Buscaglia of WKBW Buffalo.

However, the Bills could be getting back their true No. 1 wide receiver Sammy Watkins soon. According to Sal Capaccio of WGR550, Bills linebacker Preston Brown said: "we got Sammy probably coming back next week."

If Watkins returns, that will be great long-term for the Bills. But for the immediate future—believe it or not—wide receiver Percy Harvin is actually going to be relevant. He's worth an add in deeper leagues.

Buccaneers RB Doug Martin Logs 27 Touches

Jason Behnken/Associated Press

In his second game back since Week 2, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin accumulated 27 touches for over 100 yards in Week 11.

There isn't a whole lot of depth behind Martin, with fellow running backs Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers on the shelf. That makes Martin the undisputed go-to guy in the running game despite having been out for so long.

If Martin continues to be utilized this way, expect multiple fantastic fantasy outings from the Boise State product.

Remember, touches for running backs are fantasy gold. If Martin can get 25 or more per game, that's going to bode well for him.

Bears TE Zach Miller Out for the Year with Broken Foot

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller is now out for the season with a broken right foot.

In PPR leagues, Miller has been the TE5 this year, so replacing his production from the tight end position will be no easy feat.

After seeing 10 targets in Week 11, a possible replacement for Miller could be Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz—he's available in 43 percent of Yahoo leagues.

With Miller out and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery suspended for three more games, wide receiver Cam Meredith should see a huge uptick in targets moving forward.

Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. Held in Check

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Believe it or not, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was held to just five catches for 46 yards in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears.

Throughout the game, the Bears mixed-and-matched guys to cover Beckham, with the likes of cornerbacks Bryce Callahan, Tracy Porter and others.

The Bears secondary is far from great, so it was surprising to see Beckham held under 10 fantasy points in PPR leagues. Instead, fellow wide receiver Sterling Shepard caught the touchdown and running back Rashad Jennings had a great game on the ground.

Beckham will rebound moving forward of course. No need to worry.

Britt McHenry Has Clutch Report; Vikings WR Adam Thielen Goes off

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Prior to Week 11 on ESPN's Fantasy Football Now, Britt McHenry reported that the Minnesota Vikings would target wide receiver Adam Thielen "a lot" with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson shadowing fellow Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Boy was she right.

Thielen exceeded expectations with five catches for 65 yards and a fantastic touchdown.

Expect things to go back to normal moving forward, but it's always great to see a report like this come true.

Thanks again for the clutch reporting, Britt!

Bengals RB Gio Bernard Out for the Year with Torn ACL

Uncredited/Associated Press

Sources told USA Today's Tom Pelissero Cincinnati Bengals running back Gio Bernard tore his ACL in Week 11 and will miss the remainder of the season.

The Week 11 injuries continue to mount, especially for the Bengals.

In his absence, expect more work from fellow running back Jeremy Hill with Rex Burkhead getting a few extra touches.

There will also be extra touches to go around, as Bernard was averaging 9.1 runs and 3.9 receptions per game.

The Bengals should add another running back before Week 12.

Despite Tough Vikings Defense, Cardinals RB David Johnson Totals 160 Yards

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is not human, man.

On the road, against a tough Minnesota Vikings defense, you'd think this would be a spot where Johnson was slowed down a bit.

Nah.

Instead, Johnson had 103 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

This man is just too good. He just makes everyone look foolish.

Rams RB Todd Gurley Finally Scores

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

For the first time since Week 5, Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley scored a touchdown.

Of course, it was quite coincidental that this happened in rookie quarterback Jared Goff's debut, but that didn't have much to do with it.

Although he scored, Gurley still averaged under four yards per carry.

Gurley is an RB2 at best the rest of the way and perhaps even less. He has the talent, but he just has nowhere to run—the Rams offensive line is terrible.

Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi Remains in Human Form

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

After rushing for over 200 yards in Weeks 6 and 7 and running for over 100 in Week 9, Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi has been held to under 80 rushing yards the past two weeks, including Week 11.

In fact, Ajayi's 76 rushing yards in Week 11 is his lowest rushing total since Week 5.

This was also the second week in a row that Ajayi was held out of the end zone.

Yeah, if Ajayi is held under 100 yards and doesn't score, it's actually quite surprising at this point.

Ajayi is still a top-15 running back the rest of the way.

Patriots QB Tom Brady Throws 4 TDs on 'Home' Turf

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

The final score of 30-17 was fairly close when it was all said and done, but New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady single-handedly dominated the San Francisco 49ers with 280 passing yards and four touchdown passes in a winning effort.

This was quite the homecoming for Brady, who is originally from the Bay Area.

At halftime, this looked like it was going to be just an OK game for Brady, but he racked up the stats in the second half.

The potential MVP will continue his destruction in Week 12 against the New York Jets. 

Eagles RBs Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles Injured

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

While there is now some clarity in the Philadelphia Eagles backfield, it came at a high cost.

What was the cost? Potentially serious injuries to Eagles running backs Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews.

According to Howard Eskin of WTXF-TV Fox 29, Mathews suffered a possible MCL injury and Sproles suffered a possible rib fracture.

Ouch.

In their absence, fellow running back Wendell Smallwood carried the ball 13 times for 48 yards against a tough Seattle Seahawks defense.

Mathews and Sproles will more than likely be out for Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers.

Go pick up Smallwood. Now.

Seahawks RB C.J. Prosise Injured; Thomas Rawls Sees 17 Touches

John Froschauer/Associated Press

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Seattle Seahawks running back C.J. Prosise could be out for around eight weeks following a shoulder injury in Week 11.

When asked about the injury, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said, "There's a chance he comes back this year....It's gonna be awhile though," according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

This was a disappointing injury following Prosise's dominant performance in which he had 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on just four carries against the Philadelphia Eagles.

In his first game back since Week 2, fellow running back Thomas Rawls had 14 carries and three catches for a total of 88 yards.

With Prosise out, it's all Rawls from here on out—hopefully you picked him up!

If you're looking for a handcuff to Rawls, go ahead and look toward rookie running back Alex Collins.

There Were 12 Missed Extra Points in Week 11

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Kickers are still around in fantasy football, believe it or not.

In Week 11, we were reminded how frustrating they can be—there were 12 total missed extra points!

#BoycottKickers.

That's all I wanted to say here—just had to get in a dig at the kickers.

Redskins QB Kirk Cousins Owns the Packers

Mark Tenally/Associated Press

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins had his best game of the season, and perhaps his career, in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers.

On just 21 completions, Cousins threw for 375 yards and three scores to his top-three wide receivers—Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson and Jamison Crowder.

The Packers secondary cannot stop anyone—they'll take on the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 12.

Cousins should post decent fantasy numbers presumably playing from behind on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Packers are toast, by the way.

Redskins RB Rob Kelley Torches the Packers for 3 TDs

Nick Wass/Associated Press

He's not going to dazzle you with flashy cuts or blazing speed (in general), but who cares? As long as Washington Redskins running back Rob Kelley scores touchdowns and fantasy points, we're happy!

In Week 11, Kelley did just that, scoring three rushing touchdowns and rushing for 137 yards on 23 carries.

Can Kelley keep it up on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys? It's going to be tough, but he's averaging nearly five yards per carry over his last three games.

Expect fellow running back Matt Jones to continue to take a backseat, though. He's toast.

Packers TE Jared Cook Leads Team in Receiving

Jeffrey Phelps/Associated Press

In his first game back since Week 3, Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook waltzed in and led the Packers in receiving with 105 yards on six catches, including a touchdown.

Unfortunately for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who threw for over 350 yards and multiple scores, a lack of pass-catchers isn't the issue—it's the running game.

With that said, you can never have too many weapons.

If you're an owner who lost Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller this week, Cook could end up being a valuable pivot down the stretch.

Statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and ESPN.com.

Follow me on Twitter @RichardJanvrin.