Fantasy Football Week 11: First Look at Best Waiver-Wire Pickups This Week
By Elliott Pohnl ,
Week 11 of the fantasy football season is almost here, meaning it's time to make some moves to bolster your rosters down the stretch.
With all the byes out of the way, you no longer have to worry about tinkering with your lineup on a weekly basis.
But that doesn't mean there aren't a handful of players worth claiming off waivers.
Among the hot commodities on waivers this week, there are two journeyman quarterbacks in particular who could make a huge difference with the playoffs right around the corner.
Here's a look at 15 waiver-wire moves you should consider in Week 11.
Owned in CBS leagues: 0 percent
Week 11 matchup: vs. Oakland
Despite a couple blown routes, Sanders enjoyed considerable success against New England Sunday night.
The rookie from SMU caught five passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in the Steelers loss.
With Hines Ward's status for Week 11 somewhat up in the air, Sanders is worth a look in deep leagues.
If Ward can't go, Sanders could make an impact this week even while going up against Oakland's stingy pass defense.
Owned in CBS leagues: 5 percent
Week 11 matchup: at New Orleans
Butler is emerging as a speedy compliment to Mike Williams in Seattle.
Assuming Matt Hasselbeck stays healthy, Butler has a chance to make some big plays down the stretch.
Don't be afraid to give him a look in deep leagues.
Owned in CBS leagues: 10 percent
Week 11 matchup: at Minnesota
Another player worth a look in deep leagues, Kuhn is capable of putting up decent numbers as both a runner and a receiver.
If you have disappointing rushers like C.J. Spiller or Beanie Wells clogging your roster, don't be afraid to replace them with the workmanlike Kuhn.
Owned in CBS leagues: 49 percent
Week 11 matchup: vs. Baltimore
Goodson ran for 100 yards on 23 carries against Tampa Bay's 30th-ranked run defense in Week 10, giving the Panthers one thing to feel good about.
DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are on the mend, but Carolina won't rush them back with only one win on the season.
Facing the Ravens' run D presents a challenge for Goodson, but don't be afraid to leave him in your lineup in a pinch.
Owned in CBS leagues: 10 percent
Week 11 matchup: at Jacksonville
McCoy has helped the Browns return to respectability this season, but is still looking for a real breakout performance.
He could be in for a big game this week when the Browns travel to Jacksonville.
The Jaguars will line up to stop Cleveland's Peyton Hillis on the ground, giving McCoy chances to go deep in the passing game.
The Browns are very thin at receiver, but Jacksonville's pass defense is among the NFL's worst.
Don't be afraid to use the rookie in deep leagues in Week 11.
Owned in CBS leagues: 10 percent
Week 11 matchup: vs. Tampa Bay
Not surprisingly, Mike Singletary is sticking with the hot hand in San Francisco.
That means Troy Smith will be the starter in Week 11 and likely beyond for the 49ers.
Smith isn't going to put up great numbers, but with Vernon Davis and Frank Gore at his disposal, he has a good chance to throw for a couple of touchdowns per game.
If Michael Crabtree shows he is finally ready to turn the corner, Smith could be a nice addition down the stretch.
Owned in CBS leagues: 74 percent
Week 11 matchup: at New England
Joesph Addai could be back against the Patriots, but Brown's production in the last two games should be enough to get him plenty of touches down the stretch.
Brown rushed for 50 yards against the Bengals in Week 10 and again had a touchdown stolen near the goal line by rookie Javarris James.
If he can stay healthy, Brown has the ability to help fantasy owners leading up to the playoffs.
Owned in CBS leagues: 48 percent
Week 11 matchup: at Jacksonville
Watson was targeted 10 times in Cleveland's loss to the New York Jets Sunday, finishing with five catches for 74 yards.
With rookie Colt McCoy looking his way early and often thanks to the decimated receiving corps, Watson looks like a strong addition.
Look for him to haul in a touchdown against the Jaguars in Week 11.
Owned in CBS leagues: 2 percent
Week 11 matchup: at Kansas City
Doucet has really struggled this season, but he finally made an impact in Week 10 against Seattle.
Facing the NFL's worst pass defense, Doucet caught six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown while being targeted 10 times.
Look for another good effort this week with Arizona traveling to Kansas City.
The Chiefs have been burned by big plays in the passing game in the last two games, setting the stage for Doucet to make an impact.
Owned in CBS leagues: 31 percent
Week 11 matchup: vs. Cleveland
The Hail Mary hero of Week 10 might not be done making noise this season.
Jacksonville's offense has become much more reliant on the pass, and playing opposite Mike Sims-Walker has freed up Thomas.
Expect him to have a couple big games in the weeks ahead, including Sunday against Cleveland.
Owned in CBS leagues: 10 percent
Week 11 matchup: at St. Louis
An injury set Jenkins back this season, but he is starting to benefit from playing with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta.
Jenkins contributed to the dismantling of Baltimore's secondary in Week 10, catching five passes for 48 yards.
With favorable matchups down the stretch, Jenkins could help propel your fantasy team toward the playoffs.
Owned in CBS leagues: 41 percent
Week 11 matchup: at Minnesota
Jones showed what he can do against the Vikings in Week 9, hauling in eight catches for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Coming off two weeks of rest, Donald Driver still isn't ready to return to practice.
Look for Jones to get plenty of targets against the Vikings.
Make a move to pick him up before it's too late.
Owned in CBS leagues: 44 percent
Week 11 matchup: vs. Detroit
Kitna has no shortage of talent around him, with three talented receivers and an All-Pro tight end in the lineup.
Now that Dallas has managed to win a game with him running the show, don't be surprised if he continues to produce 300-yard games.
The Week 11 matchup against the Lions should lead to great things from the veteran.
Don't look now, but Jon Kitna could even help you win a fantasy title.
Owned in CBS leagues: 17 percent
Week 11 matchup: vs. Indianapolis
If you didn't know about the big tight end out of Arizona, you probably do now.
Gronkowski caught five passes for 72 yards and three touchdowns Sunday night against the Steelers.
The rookie has now caught six touchdowns this season, becoming Tom Brady's favorite target around the red zone.
Make a move to add Gronkowski to your roster.
Owned in CBS leagues: 51 percent
Week 11 matchup: at Dallas
Hill is a great play in Week 11 and beyond.
The journeyman returned to the field and put up more than 300 yards through the air against the Bills in Week 10.
Now, he takes the Lions' potent passing game to Cowboys Stadium to face one of the worst pass defenses in all of football.
As long as Calvin Johnson can stay healthy, Hill looks like a solid QB2 option down the stretch.
Depending on the matchups, don't be afraid to play him in place of a bigger name.
