Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Fantasy Advice for Up-and-Down Performers

The lineup of reliable fantasy football stars is microscopic in comparison to the list of up-and-down performers.

Whether it's a key injury or a tough matchup that's keeping them from shining week in and week out, it's vital that owners identify which inconsistent fantasy options have a chance to break out and which are better off avoiding.

Let's take a look at the best way to handle some notable up-and-down performers in Week 11. 

*Scoring statistics according to ESPN Fantasy.

Player	Average Points	Week 11 Opponent	Fantasy Play
Alex Smith, Chiefs	14.1	Broncos	Sit
Nick Foles, Eagles	12.1	Redskins	Start
Jordan Cameron, Browns	10.2	Bengals	Start
Vernon Davis, 49ers	10.1	Saints	Sit
Riley Cooper, Eagles	9.4	Redskins	Start
Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers	9.4	Falcons	Start
Keenan Allen, Chargers	8.0	Dolphins	Sit
Andre Ellington, Cardinals	7.9	Jaguars	Start
Harry Douglas, Falcons	6.6	Buccaneers	Start
Lamar Miller, Dolphins	6.1	Chagers	Start
Chris Ivory, Jets	4.3	Bills	Sit
Mark Ingram, Saints	2.8	49ers	Sit

Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles, QB

Average Points: 12.1

Week 11 Opponent: Washington Redskins 

Eagles quarterback Nick Foles cooled off some in Week 10 at Green Bay, but that was to be expected after a ridiculous seven-touchdown performance the week before.

Unsurprisingly, he is once again a must-start for fantasy owners in Week 11.

The reason: He will be facing off against one of the league's worst secondaries. The Washington Redskins surrender 275 yards and slightly more than two touchdowns per game through the air. 

After struggling against Dallas in Week 7, Foles appears to have figured out the best way to succeed within Chip Kelly's offensive system. And with Washington coming to town on Sunday, you can bank on Foles turning in another stellar performance.

Fantasy Play: Start

Lamar Miller, Miami Dolphins, RB

Average Points: 6.1

Week 11 Opponent: San Diego Chargers

Look for Miami Dolphins second-year running back Lamar Miller to bounce back after being shut down by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football in Week 10. Miller carried the ball seven times for two yards and caught two passes for nine yards in the Miami loss, but he should make up for his lackluster outing against a vulnerable San Diego Chargers defense on Sunday.

San Diego ranks 20th in rush defense this season and is allowing opposing backs to average 4.8 yards per carry in 2013. In Week 9, the Washington Redskins rushed for 209 yards and four touchdowns against the Bolts' front seven.

Although Miami has several question marks up front on the offensive line, keep in mind that Miller recorded the first 100-plus-yard rushing game of his career two weeks ago against Cincinnati behind a makeshift line. 

Therefore, with San Diego giving up big chunks of yardage to opposing backs, Miller is a fantastic play this weekend. 

Fantasy Play: Start

Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers, WR

Average Points: 8.0

Week 11 Opponent: Miami Dolphins 

Chargers rookie wideout Keenan Allen has been the definition of up-and-down since emerging as one of Philip Rivers' top targets in Week 5 at Oakland. Allen's production has been all over the map over the past five weeks, making him an unreliable option at the receiver spot.

Following a down week against the Denver Broncos, he is best suited for the bench this weekend.

While the Dolphins may be in the midst of a downward spiral, they're still one of the better teams when it comes to defending the pass. Miami's stingy secondary ranks inside the top 15 in fewest yards per pass attempt allowed in 2013 and is tied for fifth in fewest passing touchdowns.

Both of those marks are significantly better than Oakland, Indianapolis and Washington—the three teams that allowed Allen to have his best games. 

With San Diego heading to Kansas City in Week 12, Allen owners will have to be patient over the next couple of weeks.

Fantasy Play: Sit

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