Fantasy Football Week 11 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em

Fantasy football tends to be about its big-time stars over the long haul. But on a weekly basis, it can be about the little-used players, or even some nobodies.

It can be impossible to predict at times, unless you merely stack your options playing in favorable matchups. That is the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Few Cardinals are truly elite fantasy options, but a lot of the Cardinals pepper this week's Start 'Em, Sit 'Em. We break down all of the players to activate and bench in this six-part, position-by-position slideshow.

Quarterbacks: Colin Kaepernick's Bad Season Won't Get Better in New Orleans

Start 'Em

Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles

This one has become obvious based on Foles' numbers the past two games, but this is arguably the best matchup of the season for him. The Washington Redskins have allowed the fourth-most points to fantasy quarterbacks, and only the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings have allowed more touchdown passes to date.

Not only does Foles rank as a starter in all leagues, but he has joined the elite eight among fantasy quarterbacks. He has 16 touchdowns and zero interceptions, and numbers never lie. 

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

This stands to be the best week for a quarterback many thought would be a fantasy gem working with Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals have a full healthy set of weapons for Palmer, and the Jaguars matchup is a great time for Palmer to break through.

The Jags have allowed the third-most points to fantasy quarterbacks to date, and they are even coming off their first victory of the season. Playing at home, they should show just enough juice to pique Palmer's numbers late into the game. We should see 350 yards and three touchdowns from this fantasy pariah this week.

Case Keenum, Houston Texans

Keenum has mostly avoided the big mistakes that have plagued the Texans' previous quarterbacks, and he has done what others have failed to do: get the ball to Andre Johnson early and often. Keenum draws a matchup against the Raiders defense—at home, no less—that turned Foles into a 2013 fantasy superstar. Keenum should be good for 250 yards and two-plus touchdowns again.

Sit 'Em

Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

We tried to hold on to this 2013 playoff star, but it is a real tough sell coming off that performance against the Carolina Panthers. Now, he heads to the Superdome in New Orleans, where Tony Romo struggled mightily. Rob Ryan's defense is the third-best against the pass and in fantasy against quarterbacks. Only the Titans and Panthers have allowed fewer touchdown passes.

Kaepernick still doesn't have Michael Crabtree (Achilles) at his disposal, and Anquan Boldin or Mario Manningham shouldn't impress anyone. Kaepernick belongs on the pine until the read-option opens something up for him again.

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

He has cooled off in recent weeks, throwing three interceptions in each of his past two games. He is no longer one of those must-start fantasy quarterbacks, especially against the Browns.

Dalton was held to a season-low 206 yards and no touchdowns in their Week 4 meeting, and the Browns are 10th-best against the pass and 11th-best against fantasy quarterbacks. You have better options available to you in standard leagues than Dalton.

Eli Manning, New York Giants

You have to be beyond sick of this quarterback in fantasy leagues, especially after he failed to produce more than a mere touchdown pass against a Raiders defense that gave up seven the previous week to a young, unproven Foles.

Manning has just one 300-yard game since Week 2 and has thrown for less than a touchdown a game in that stretch. Heck, he has only cracked 250 yards once. He is a mediocre to bad play, even in two-quarterback leagues right now. Cut him in standard formats.

Week 11 Quarterbacks Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Quarterbacks	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Peyton Manning	Den	vs. KC	1	0
2	Drew Brees	NO	vs. SF	2	0
3	Russell Wilson	Sea	vs. Min	3	0
4	Robert Griffin	Was	at Phi	5	+1
5	Cam Newton	Car	vs. NE	7	+2
6	Matthew Stafford	Det	at Pit	6	0
7	Tom Brady	NE	at Car	10	+3
8	Nick Foles	Phi	vs. Was	4	-4
9	Philip Rivers	SD	at Mia	8	-1
10	Andrew Luck	Ind	at Ten	11	+1
11	Carson Palmer	Ari	at Jac	20	+9
12	Case Keenum	Hou	vs. Oak	9	-3
13	Colin Kaepernick	SF	at NO	16	+3
14	Alex Smith	KC	at Den	18	+4
15	Andy Dalton	Cin	vs. Cle	14	-1
16	Matt Ryan	Atl	at TB	12	-4
17	Ben Roethlisberger	Pit	vs. Det	13	-4
18	Joe Flacco	Bal	at Chi	23	+5
19	Mike Glennon	TB	vs. Atl	17	-2
20	Geno Smith	NYJ	at Buf	27	+7
21	Eli Manning	NYG	vs. GB	19	-2
22	Scott Tolzien	GB	at NYG	26	+4
23	Ryan Fitzpatrick	Ten	vs. Ind	22	-1
24	Ryan Tannehill	Mia	vs. SD	21	-3
25	Josh McCown	Chi	vs. Bal	15	-10
26	EJ Manuel	Buf	vs. NYJ	28	+2
27	Jason Campbell	Cle	at Cin	24	-3
28	Chad Henne	Jac	vs. Ari	29	+1
29	Christian Ponder	Min	at Sea	30	+1
30	Matt McGloin	Oak	at Hou	31	+1
31	Terrelle Pryor	Oak	at Hou	25	-6

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Running Backs: Start Both Cards Backs and Sit Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville

Start 'Em

Andre Ellington and Rashard Mendenhall, Arizona Cardinals

You might be frustrated with the use of either of these players because of the presence of the other, but both are good plays against a Jaguars defense that has given up the fourth-most points to running backs in fantasy and is dead last against the run. The two will be good for 60 combined yards and a touchdown here. If you have to pick one, Ellington is the slightly more intriguing option because of his big-play ability.

Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead, San Diego Chargers

Mathews has put some solid efforts together in the past few weeks, and Woodhead remains a heavily targeted receiver in the Broncos' short passing game. Both are solid plays against a Dolphins defense coming off a bad performance Monday night against the Bucs and playing on a short week, even if the Chargers have to fly across country. The Dolphins are in the bottom half of the league against the run and have given up the second-most points to fantasy running backs to date.

Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce, Baltimore Ravens

How can we suggest not one but two backs from the league's 30th-ranked running game? Because something has to give when the Ravens play the Chicago Bears' beleaguered defensive front. It should be the Bears front line giving too.

The Bears are only better than Jacksonville against the run, so expect the Ravens backs to finally get some running room here behind that maligned offensive line. Coach Jon Harbaugh has said he is going to go with the hot hand, so expect Rice to up his game to keep his feature status. Both backs should be good for 60 combined yards and a touchdown apiece.

Brian Leonard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The loss of Doug Martin (shoulder) and Mike James (ankle) for the season thrusts Leonard into the starting role for the Bucs, who should be a run-friendly team down the stretch. Bobby Rainey is in the mix too, but he's more of a change-of-pace back to the pounder Leonard. Expect the former fullback to get 20 touches, 60-plus combined yards and a touchdown against a Falcons defense that is sixth-worst against the run and in the bottom half against fantasy running backs.

Andre Brown, New York Giants

So much for a limited return for the new Giants workhorse. Brown gives the Giants offense a trustworthy feature back who can handle the ball over 20 times a game and do his own short-yardage work. The Packers are more middle of the pack as a matchup for fantasy backs, but the Giants will stick with Brown throughout what should be a physical game. Expect at least one touchdown, regardless of whether he doesn't get his yardage over 60.

Sit 'Em

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

He is long past being the sure-fire fantasy starter, but he also draws the third-best run defense in football in a Cardinals team that has given up the fewest points to fantasy backs this season. The Jags are coming off their first victory, but the Cardinals are not going to get tripped up here in their bid to get into the NFL wild-card race. Expect a long day for MJD, and keep him out of fantasy lineups if at all possible.

Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Despite Jackson's usage, you should keep C.J. Spiller active and sit the older, slower veteran against a Jets defense that is No. 1 against the run and No. 3 against fantasy running backs. The Bills are learning they need to get the ball to Spiller in space more, so not only will Jackson be bottled up by the matchup, but also by the move back to the now-healthier Spiller. This is a 10-carry, 35-yard performance coming for Jackson.

Shane Vereen, LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden, New England Patriots

You likely cannot afford to sit Stevan Ridley, but the matchup and potential return of Vereen (wrist) complicates the already-crowded Pats running back committee. Ridley is the only decent play until Vereen's usage is revealed, especially since the Panthers are No. 2 against the run and sixth-best against fantasy running backs. Running backs have attempted a league-low 18.6 carries against the Panthers defense, and that isn't a big number to potentially split four ways.

Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons and fantasy owners have learned, yet again, that 30-year-old running backs are bad news. Jackson has been banged up and ineffective, and he draws a Bucs defense that didn't give the Dolphins a sniff on the ground Monday night.

The Bucs are stout against run, fifth-best, and have allowed a league-low one rushing touchdown to running backs all season, tied with the Ravens and Chiefs. Don't touch any of the Falcons backs this week.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals

Everyone knew it would be just a matter of time before the plodding BGE gave up more and more touches to rookie Giovani Bernard, and now it's clear Bernard is the Bengals' more potent option on any down and in any situation. BGE is facing the Browns' sixth-best run defense, and with byes not a real issue any longer, he shouldn't be needed in fantasy lineups. 

Week 11 Running Backs Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Running Backs	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Adrian Peterson	Min	at Sea	4	+3
2	Jamaal Charles	KC	at Den	1	-1
3	LeSean McCoy	Phi	vs. Was	2	-1
4	Marshawn Lynch	Sea	vs. Min	3	-1
5	Matt Forte	Chi	vs. Bal	7	+2
6	Frank Gore	SF	at NO	6	0
7	Reggie Bush	Det	at Pit	5	-2
8	Alfred Morris	Was	at Phi	9	+1
9	Eddie Lacy	GB	at NYG	10	+1
10	Chris Johnson	Ten	vs. Ind	14	+4
11	Knowshon Moreno	Den	vs. KC	8	-3
12	Ray Rice	Bal	at Chi	19	+7
13	Le'Veon Bell	Pit	vs. Det	13	0
14	Ben Tate	Hou	vs. Oak	12	-2
15	Stevan Ridley	NE	at Car	20	+5
16	Chris Ivory	NYJ	at Buf	24	+8
17	C.J. Spiller	Buf	vs. NYJ	28	+11
18	Ryan Mathews	SD	at Mia	21	+3
19	Andre Brown	NYG	vs. GB	11	-8
20	Andre Ellington	Ari	at Jac	16	-4
21	Darren Sproles	NO	vs. SF	26	+5
22	Giovani Bernard	Cin	vs. Cle	15	-7
23	Trent Richardson	Ind	at Ten	33	+10
24	Danny Woodhead	SD	at Mia	17	-7
25	Rashard Mendenhall	Ari	at Jac	32	+7
26	Brian Leonard	TB	vs. Atl	30	+4
27	Donald Brown	Ind	at Ten	34	+7
28	Bernard Pierce	Bal	at Chi	41	+13
29	Rashad Jennings	Oak	at Hou	18	-11
30	Steven Jackson	Atl	at TB	29	-1
31	Maurice Jones-Drew	Jac	vs. Ari	27	-4
32	Lamar Miller	Mia	vs. SD	25	-7
33	DeAngelo Williams	Car	vs. NE	35	+2
34	Pierre Thomas	NO	vs. SF	23	-11
35	Fred Jackson	Buf	vs. NYJ	22	-13
36	Jonathan Stewart	Car	vs. NE	38	+2
37	Bryce Brown	Phi	vs. Was	55	+18
38	Montee Ball	Den	vs. KC	52	+14
39	Daniel Thomas	Mia	vs. SD	48	+9
40	Kendall Hunter	SF	at NO	57	+17
41	Shane Vereen	NE	at Car	31	-10
42	BenJarvus Green-Ellis	Cin	vs. Cle	37	-5
43	Joique Bell	Det	at Pit	39	-4
44	Chris Ogbonnaya	Cle	at Cin	46	+2
45	Dennis Johnson	Hou	vs. Oak	51	+6
46	Shonn Greene	Ten	vs. Ind	43	-3
47	Mike Tolbert	Car	vs. NE	44	-3
48	James Starks	GB	at NYG	50	+2
49	Bilal Powell	NYJ	at Buf	40	-9
50	Robert Turbin	Sea	vs. Min	62	+12
51	Mark Ingram	NO	vs. SF	45	-6
52	Jacquizz Rodgers	Atl	at TB	42	-10
53	Willis McGahee	Cle	at Cin	47	-6
54	Bobby Rainey	TB	vs. Atl	36	-18
55	Peyton Hillis	NYG	vs. GB	54	-1
56	LeGarrette Blount	NE	at Car	65	+9
57	Felix Jones	Pit	vs. Det	69	+12
58	Roy Helu	Was	at Phi	49	-9
59	Michael Bush	Chi	vs. Bal	61	+2
60	Fozzy Whittaker	Cle	at Cin	59	-1
61	Brandon Jacobs	NYG	vs. GB	73	+12
62	Anthony Dixon	SF	at NO	82	+20
63	Denard Robinson	Jac	vs. Ari	67	+4
64	C.J. Anderson	Den	vs. KC	75	+11
65	Ronnie Brown	SD	at Mia	66	+1
66	Jason Snelling	Atl	at TB	60	-6
67	Knile Davis	KC	at Den	80	+13
68	Tashard Choice	Buf	vs. NYJ	86	+18
69	Johnathan Franklin	GB	at NYG	85	+16
70	LaMichael James	SF	at NO	72	+2

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Wide Receivers: Redskins-Eagles Matchup Should Be Fantasy-Friendly Here

Start 'Em

Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins

Rookie tight end Jordan Reed might have stolen some of Garcon's thunder, but the matchup is just too good to ignore for the Redskins' leading wide receiver this week. The Eagles are the second-worst pass defense in football and have given up the most receptions, yards and fantasy points to wide receivers this season.

Riley Cooper, Philadelphia Eagles

He has scorched along with Nick Foles, and he draws a Redskins secondary that is in the bottom 10 against the pass and has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Cooper would be a good start against anyone right now. Against the Redskins and amid this hot stretch, he is a great start.

Rishard Matthews, Miami Dolphins

He emerged as a surprise go-to man for Ryan Tannehill on Monday night, and his performance was so eye-opening that the Dolphins have to go back to him again this week. You helped make him the most-added wide receiver this week, so you should play him against the Chargers this Sunday. San Diego has allowed the fourth-most points fantasy wide receivers and has the fifth-worst pass defense.

Percy Harvin and Golden Tate, Seattle Seahawks

You have waited weeks, if not months, for Harvin, so you have to be anxious to get him into your fantasy lineup. Even if he is limited in his snap count, his production should be up against his former team. The Vikings are 29th against the pass and eighth-worst against fantasy wide receivers. Harvin is a solid start and the attention he draws underneath should also help Tate be productive downfield. Start both of the Seahawks receivers this week.

Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

He has posted back-to-back duds, but you should feel confident in him rebounding against a Falcons defense that is young and in the bottom 10 against the pass and fantasy wideouts. Head coach Greg Schiano told the Tampa Tribune's Roy Cummings this week that getting Jackson the ball more is a priority:

"

We need to make sure he gets his touches because he’s a dynamic player. You're talking about a Pro Bowl player. And, certainly, with the loss of some weapons offensively, defenses are really going to key on him now. That's a fact of life. But get over it and find a way to get him the ball. That's what we have to do.

"

Sit 'Em

Aaron Dobson, Julian Edelman and Kenbrell Thompkins, New England Patriots

Dobson went into the bye week hot, but Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski should get even more of the pie as the season wears on. Also, the Panthers are No. 4 against the pass and No. 2 against fantasy receivers. Amendola remains a must-start in PPR, but you might consider sitting him in standard leagues too because of the difficult matchup at Carolina.

Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jerome Simpson, Minnesota Vikings

Jennings (Achilles) hasn't been close to his productive self and Christian Ponder (shoulder) is still notoriously limited in getting the ball downfield. None of the Vikings receivers look like even decent plays against the Seahawks shutdown secondary. The Seahawks are No. 2 against the pass and No. 3 against fantasy receivers.

Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders

He was having a sleeper-worthy season in the early going, but he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 6 and will be facing the No. 1 pass defense in football in the Houston Texans. The Texans have allowed a league-low 76 receptions and 918 yards to fantasy wide receivers to date.

Oh, and Moore might also have to deal with Matt McGloin as the Raiders' starting quarterback this week. Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle tweeted that McGloin got all of the first-team reps Friday, even if the Raiders are still hopeful Pryor feels well enough to play.

Anquan Boldin and Mario Manningham, San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick has struggled to recreate his stretch-run magic from a year ago. Even if it has a lot to do with the health and effectiveness of his receivers, you cannot like the 49ers' struggling passing game at New Orleans. The Saints shut down Tony Romo and Dez Bryant a week ago and should be plenty capable of stopping this limited aerial attack. The Saints are one of only three teams to have allowed 200 or less passing yards per game this season.

Lance Moore and Kenny Stills, New Orleans Saints

This pair has taken turns being productive amid Marques Colston's struggles, but Colston (knee) proved healthy and effective again last week, so he should be the lone Saints wide receiver who is starter-worthy in fantasy against the 49ers defense. San Francisco is eighth-best against the pass and seventh-best against fantasy wide receivers.

Week 11 Wide Receivers Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Wide Receivers	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Calvin Johnson	Det	at Pit	1	0
2	A.J. Green	Cin	vs. Cle	5	+3
3	Brandon Marshall	Chi	vs. Bal	3	0
4	DeSean Jackson	Phi	vs. Was	4	0
5	Demaryius Thomas	Den	vs. KC	7	+2
6	Wes Welker	Den	vs. KC	10	+4
7	Andre Johnson	Hou	vs. Oak	2	-5
8	Larry Fitzgerald	Ari	at Jac	14	+6
9	Pierre Garcon	Was	at Phi	6	-3
10	Victor Cruz	NYG	vs. GB	11	+1
11	Vincent Jackson	TB	vs. Atl	8	-3
12	Jordy Nelson	GB	at NYG	19	+7
13	Eric Decker	Den	vs. KC	15	+2
14	Antonio Brown	Pit	vs. Det	9	-5
15	Josh Gordon	Cle	at Cin	16	+1
16	T.Y. Hilton	Ind	at Ten	13	-3
17	Riley Cooper	Phi	vs. Was	20	+3
18	Alshon Jeffery	Chi	vs. Bal	12	-6
19	Torrey Smith	Bal	at Chi	18	-1
20	Danny Amendola	NE	at Car	24	+4
21	Marques Colston	NO	vs. SF	27	+6
22	Keenan Allen	SD	at Mia	17	-5
23	Cecil Shorts	Jac	vs. Ari	21	-2
24	Roddy White	Atl	at TB	30	+6
25	Percy Harvin	Sea	vs. Min	33	+8
26	Steve Smith	Car	vs. NE	25	-1
27	Hakeem Nicks	NYG	vs. GB	28	+1
28	Golden Tate	Sea	vs. Min	22	-6
29	Rishard Matthews	Mia	vs. SD	44	+15
30	DeAndre Hopkins	Hou	vs. Oak	31	+1
31	James Jones	GB	at NYG	39	+8
32	Anquan Boldin	SF	at NO	35	+3
33	Mike Wallace	Mia	vs. SD	23	-10
34	Emmanuel Sanders	Pit	vs. Det	32	-2
35	Aaron Dobson	NE	at Car	34	-1
36	Kendall Wright	Ten	vs. Ind	29	-7
37	Brandon LaFell	Car	vs. NE	47	+10
38	Marvin Jones	Cin	vs. Cle	43	+5
39	Rueben Randle	NYG	vs. GB	42	+3
40	Dexter McCluster	KC	at Den	62	+22
41	Michael Floyd	Ari	at Jac	37	-4
42	Brian Hartline	Mia	vs. SD	36	-6
43	Denarius Moore	Oak	at Hou	38	-5
44	Jarrett Boykin	GB	at NYG	41	-3
45	Marlon Brown	Bal	at Chi	49	+4
46	Santonio Holmes	NYJ	at Buf	50	+4
47	Dwayne Bowe	KC	at Den	40	-7
48	Donnie Avery	KC	at Den	61	+13
49	Doug Baldwin	Sea	vs. Min	48	-1
50	Mohamed Sanu	Cin	vs. Cle	85	+35
51	Greg Jennings	Min	at Sea	56	+5
52	Kenny Stills	NO	vs. SF	46	-6
53	Nate Washington	Ten	vs. Ind	57	+4
54	Eddie Royal	SD	at Mia	59	+5
55	Harry Douglas	Atl	at TB	26	-29
56	Lance Moore	NO	vs. SF	52	-4
57	Nate Burleson	Det	at Pit	70	+13
58	Mario Manningham	SF	at NO	69	+11
59	Kenbrell Thompkins	NE	at Car	77	+18
60	Jason Avant	Phi	vs. Was	82	+22
61	Julian Edelman	NE	at Car	75	+14
62	Jacoby Jones	Bal	at Chi	76	+14
63	Vincent Brown	SD	at Mia	73	+10
64	David Nelson	NYJ	at Buf	71	+7
65	Leonard Hankerson	Was	at Phi	60	-5
66	Ted Ginn	Car	vs. NE	78	+12
67	Greg Little	Cle	at Cin	66	-1
68	Jon Baldwin	SF	at NO	94	+26
69	Darrius Heyward-Bey	Ind	at Ten	72	+3
70	Mike Brown	Jac	vs. Ari	53	-17
71	Davone Bess	Cle	at Cin	87	+16
72	Lavon Brazill	Ind	at Ten	101	+29
73	Jerome Simpson	Min	at Sea	83	+10
74	Tiquan Underwood	TB	vs. Atl	51	-23
75	Stephen Hill	NYJ	at Buf	64	-11
76	Ace Sanders	Jac	vs. Ari	84	+8
77	Rod Streater	Oak	at Hou	81	+4
78	Andre Roberts	Ari	at Jac	58	-20
79	Robert Meachem	NO	vs. SF	102	+23
80	Jermaine Kearse	Sea	vs. Min	65	-15
81	Kris Durham	Det	at Pit	55	-26
82	Santana Moss	Was	at Phi	96	+14
83	Justin Hunter	Ten	vs. Ind	67	-16
84	Jacoby Ford	Oak	at Hou	108	+24
85	Cordarrelle Patterson	Min	at Sea	68	-17

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Tight Ends: Trust Rob Housler, but Not John Carlson Among Last Week's Surprises

Start 'Em

Rob Housler, Arizona Cardinals

Coming off his first career touchdown, Housler is primed to take off as a fantasy sleeper. We already listed Carson Palmer as a "start" at quarterback, and the emergence Housler is one of the reasons.

Housler was tripped up by a high-ankle sprain early in the season; otherwise, we might have already viewed him as a top-12 fantasy tight end. He can perform like one against the Jags, third-worst against tight ends in fantasy, if you need a spot starter.

Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins

This one has become obvious in recent weeks, but the Eagles have been so suspect against the pass yet good against tight ends, we feel obligated to mention Reed here. Philly has the second-worst pass defense, but it's quietly been third-toughest against tight ends. It is not enough to consider sitting Reed, who has emerged as Robert Griffin III's primary target.

Tim Wright, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

He had a quiet week in what should have been a favorable matchup against the Dolphins, but we will give him a one-week pass. He still rates as Mike Glennon's favorite target and should be good for six catches for 60 yards and perhaps a touchdown at home against the Falcons, who have given up the fifth-most touchdown passes to tight ends (six).

Sit 'Em

John Carlson, Minnesota Vikings

He took over nicely for Kyle Rudolph (foot) last week, going off for seven catches, 98 yards and a touchdown to lead the position. This week will be a much tougher opponent in the Seahawks, who have the second-best pass defense and have limited tight ends to bottom-10 numbers thus far. Carlson is a bad fringe option with the bye weeks out of the way.

Dallas Clark, Baltimore Ravens

He has three touchdowns in his past four games, but he hasn't broken 50 yards but once since Week 1 and has been held under 15 yards in every game since Week 6. The one-yard touchdowns don't come often against Chicago either. The Bears have allowed just two touchdowns to tight ends this season. Look elsewhere if you have Jason Witten or Jared Cook on bye this week.

Kellen Winslow, New York Jets

He returns from a four-game suspension, but despite the Bills' secondary struggles, they have been tough on opposing tight ends in fantasy. Buffalo has allowed the fourth-fewest yards to the position (340) this season. You also cannot trust Winslow will get the targets when the Jets do go to the tight end, since Jeff Cumberland is still listed as their starter. 

Week 11 Tight Ends Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Tight Ends	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Rob Gronkowski	NE	at Car	1	0
2	Jimmy Graham	NO	vs. SF	2	0
3	Julius Thomas	Den	vs. KC	4	+1
4	Vernon Davis	SF	at NO	6	+2
5	Jordan Reed	Was	at Phi	3	-2
6	Antonio Gates	SD	at Mia	5	-1
7	Jordan Cameron	Cle	at Cin	7	0
8	Greg Olsen	Car	vs. NE	10	+2
9	Tony Gonzalez	Atl	at TB	8	-1
10	Coby Fleener	Ind	at Ten	11	+1
11	Rob Housler	Ari	at Jac	18	+7
12	Martellus Bennett	Chi	vs. Bal	9	-3
13	Tim Wright	TB	vs. Atl	13	0
14	Heath Miller	Pit	vs. Det	12	-2
15	Charles Clay	Mia	vs. SD	14	-1
16	John Carlson	Min	at Sea	17	+1
17	Garrett Graham	Hou	vs. Oak	16	-1
18	Zach Miller	Sea	vs. Min	22	+4
19	Dallas Clark	Bal	at Chi	25	+6
20	Scott Chandler	Buf	vs. NYJ	15	-5
21	Delanie Walker	Ten	vs. Ind	20	-1
22	Zach Ertz	Phi	vs. Was	27	+5
23	Jermaine Gresham	Cin	vs. Cle	28	+5
24	Tyler Eifert	Cin	vs. Cle	19	-5
25	Brandon Pettigrew	Det	at Pit	21	-4
26	Anthony Fasano	KC	at Den	33	+7
27	Joseph Fauria	Det	at Pit	35	+8
28	Brent Celek	Phi	vs. Was	24	-4
29	Brandon Myers	NYG	vs. GB	26	-3
30	Kellen Winslow	NYJ	at Buf	30	0
31	Andrew Quarless	GB	at NYG	34	+3
32	Marcedes Lewis	Jac	vs. Ari	23	-9
33	Jeff Cumberland	NYJ	at Buf	29	-4

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Defense/Special Teams: Don't Mess with the Chiefs or 49ers Units Against Top QBs

Start 'Em

Arizona Cardinals

Continuing with our theme of the week, start the Cardinals defense at Jacksonville. The Jags are third-worst against opposing defensive units and the Cardinals boast a tough run defense (third-best). There are some legit Pro Bowlers on that Cards defense, and the Jags don't have the line or the offensive weapons to hurt them.

New York Jets

Speaking of strong run defenses, the Jets are No. 1 in that regard and they will be facing a Bills team that will be without Stevie Johnson (groin). The Bills are sixth-worst against fantasy defenses, so consider the Jets one of the best streaming options on the board.

Houston Texans

This has been a maligned team, but the defense is still No. 1 against the pass and the Raiders might have to start a quarterback who was a walk-on in college and undrafted into the pros, Matt McGloin. No matter what you think you might know about McGloin or the status of Terrelle Pryor (knee), you should view the Texans as a must-start unit among the top five this week, especially at home.

Sit 'Em

Kansas City Chiefs

The No. 1 unit in fantasy is a bad play in Denver against arguably the most potent offense in NFL history. Peyton Manning's Broncos are not in the top 10 against opposing defensive units, but we should expect their best effort of the season, a la the performance on opening night against the Ravens. This should be a Broncos show and a bad week to have the Chiefs active.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have played better defense of late, but the Saints in New Orleans is perhaps the worst matchup in football for anyone. The Saints are No. 5 against opposing defensive units, so find a one-week fill-in here.

Washington Redskins

Here is a surprising stat: The Redskins, despite having the sixth-worst defense in football, have scored the third-most points in standard fantasy leagues. You should not buy into this against the Eagles in Philly, though. That Chip Kelly quick-strike offense isn't to be messed with right now with Nick Foles at quarterback.

Week 11 Defenses and Special Teams Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Defenses and Special Teams	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Seattle Seahawks	Sea	vs. Min	1	0
2	Arizona Cardinals	Ari	at Jac	2	0
3	Cincinnati Bengals	Cin	vs. Cle	3	0
4	New York Jets	NYJ	at Buf	7	+3
5	Houston Texans	Hou	vs. Oak	5	0
6	Detroit Lions	Det	at Pit	13	+7
7	Chicago Bears	Chi	vs. Bal	9	+2
8	New England Patriots	NE	at Car	11	+3
9	Denver Broncos	Den	vs. KC	10	+1
10	Green Bay Packers	GB	at NYG	15	+5
11	Carolina Panthers	Car	vs. NE	4	-7
12	New Orleans Saints	NO	vs. SF	12	0
13	Baltimore Ravens	Bal	at Chi	19	+6
14	San Diego Chargers	SD	at Mia	17	+3
15	Kansas City Chiefs	KC	at Den	18	+3
16	San Francisco 49ers	SF	at NO	16	0
17	Atlanta Falcons	Atl	at TB	22	+5
18	Cleveland Browns	Cle	at Cin	14	-4
19	Buffalo Bills	Buf	vs. NYJ	6	-13
20	Indianapolis Colts	Ind	at Ten	8	-12

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros

Kickers: We Have a Hunch Justin Tucker Rebounds Big This Week

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Justin Tucker hasn't been quite as good as he was last year, but he can help down the stretch.

Start 'Em

Nick Folk, New York Jets

Folk is coming off his bye with a matchup against the Bills, the third-worst team in fantasy against kickers. The Jets have shown a lot more juice than anyone expected and Folk has been a big beneficiary. He is a top-five fantasy option the rest of the season.

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens

The struggles of the Ravens' running game has hurt Tucker's numbers and opportunities, but we expect both to improve against the Bears' 31st-ranked run defense. Tucker gets to face a Bears team that is eighth-worst against kickers. He should be viewed as a regular fantasy starter down the stretch, no matter what you think of the Ravens offense.

Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers

The loss of Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) impacts the overall productivity of the Packers offense, but it shouldn't affect Crosby's fantasy value too much. The Packers still can run the ball, and Crosby should be positioned for attempts often against a Giants team that has been in the bottom 10 of fantasy against kickers.

Sit 'Em

Blair Walsh, Minnesota Vikings

One of last year's best rookie kickers, if not one of the best of all time, has been a bust for fantasy owners this season. He won't turn it around against the Seahawks defense this week either. Seattle has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to kickers this season.

Josh Brown, New York Giants

He has been a streaky option, but the Giants do not have a trustworthy enough offense to use their kicker in standard leagues. The Packers are seventh-best against fantasy kickers too.

Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders

Riddle us eternal optimists, but the Texans are due for a big performance at home, especially defensively. SeaBass has been one of the worst kickers in fantasy, and the prospect of Matt McGloin starting over Terrelle Pryor should scare you off Janikowski in any fantasy lineup.

Week 11 Kickers Rankings - Eric Mack

Rank	Kickers	Team	Opponent	ECR	vs. ECR
1	Steven Hauschka	Sea	vs. Min	2	+1
2	Stephen Gostkowski	NE	at Car	4	+2
3	Nick Folk	NYJ	at Buf	7	+4
4	Matt Prater	Den	vs. KC	1	-3
5	Mason Crosby	GB	at NYG	12	+7
6	Phil Dawson	SF	at NO	18	+12
7	Alex Henery	Phi	vs. Was	9	+2
8	Justin Tucker	Bal	at Chi	6	-2
9	Adam Vinatieri	Ind	at Ten	17	+8
10	Matt Bryant	Atl	at TB	10	0
11	Garrett Hartley	NO	vs. SF	8	-3
12	Ryan Succop	KC	at Den	20	+8
13	Caleb Sturgis	Mia	vs. SD	25	+12
14	Nick Novak	SD	at Mia	3	-11
15	Mike Nugent	Cin	vs. Cle	26	+11
16	Sebastian Janikowski	Oak	at Hou	28	+12
17	Jay Feely	Ari	at Jac	13	-4
18	David Akers	Det	at Pit	5	-13
19	Graham Gano	Car	vs. NE	21	+2
20	Rob Bironas	Ten	vs. Ind	29	+9
21	Kai Forbath	Was	at Phi	15	-6
22	Josh Brown	NYG	vs. GB	24	+2

Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR) from over 100 experts provided by FantasyPros