Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Smart Matchup Plays, Sleepers and More

Here's something that will comfort any fantasy owners who have struggled over the last two weeks: The slew of byes are officially over. Moving forward, no week will have more than four teams on a bye, but there are still some crucial teams taking the week off.

Having teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens on a bye leaves several holes. Names like Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, Denard Robinson and Torrey Smith will be off which will hurt lineups in every league.

Before Week 11 officially gets underway, here's a look at the smart matchup plays, sleepers and players to avoid.

Top Matchup Plays

Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

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OK, I'm aware this might be a bit of a stretch, but here me out.

Robert Griffin III might not have a single game with over 15 points this season, but he also has a chance to play in his first full home game—not to mention, that comes against a horrid Tampa Bay Buccaneers team.

The Washington Redskins quarterback had another week to fully recover during the bye and gets a great chance to turn things around. The Bucs have surrendered an average of 20.59 points to quarterbacks in the last four weeks and face one that can run this Sunday.

Already allowing 19 passing touchdowns this season, the Buccaneers likely won't be able to contain Griffin. For owners in need of a signal-caller, the Redskins quarterback can replace Tony Romo or Joe Flacco in deep leagues.

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Just when it looked like Frank Gore was going to be riding the pine for fantasy owners the rest of the way, he shined in Week 10. Of course he would, right?

Gore gashed the New Orleans Saints for 81 rushing yards and a touchdown—his first rushing score since Week 2. Around the NFL noted just how often the San Francisco 49ers went to Gore early in the game:

Though he's been inconsistent, Gore has yet another great matchup against the New York Giants. The team has allowed a staggering 24.82 points to running backs, which is good for second most in the league this year.

During a week in which Murray, Robinson and even Justin Forsett won't be options, Gore looks promising for owners. Whether he's slotted as an RB2 or flex play, expect solid production from the veteran.

Sleepers to Utilize

Josh McCown, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Those who expected Josh McCown to go off against the Atlanta Falcons likely didn't see the first matchup between the two teams.

However, McCown was still one of the top signal-callers in Week 10 as he passed for over 300 yards for the first time this year with two touchdowns. He was also surprisingly mobile with 39 yards rushing against Atlanta.

Though he didn't play exceptionally well overall with two interceptions, his fantasy day looked slightly more promising. Following the game, McCown was emotional when talking about stepping up, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times [sic]:

"

It doesn't matter (how I played). We lost. We lost. As a quarterback, it starts with me. I've got to be better. It's disappointing.

This game, man, you go and prepare with guys ever week, and coaches, and they grind you. Everbody puts their time in and works so hard. You lay it out there for each other, and when you walk off and come up short week in and week out, it hurts. That's what hurts.

"

The best way to turn things around for a 1-8 team would be simply winning. Going against a Washington defense that has allowed 18 passing touchdowns this season, McCown just might be a good spot start in deep leagues.

Terrance West, RB, Cleveland Browns

The three-headed monster in the Cleveland Browns backfield saw all three score touchdowns in Week 10, but it was Terrance West that took the reins during the majority of the running plays and added to his total with a second-half score.

West had 26 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown to total over 15 fantasy points. Meanwhile, Isaiah Crowell and Ben Tate combined for 24 carries and 75 yards, proving the rookie was the best player in the backfield.

Facing a porous Houston Texans defense at home this week, West has a shot to continue his recent run. Going against a defense that has allowed an average of 22.15 points to tailbacks in the last four weeks, look for West to hit double digits again.

Lower Your Expectations

Reggie Bush, RB, Detroit Lions

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Making a start after the bye week, Reggie Bush had just five total touches with four carries and one reception. Needless to say, he was once again an awful option even as a flex play.

His 2.5 total points marked the sixth time he's tallied less than 10 points this season in seven games played. On top of the low production from Bush thus far, he also left last Sunday's game with an injury, as John Clayton of ESPN noted:

Bush was able to return, but his numbers remained low for fantasy owners.

This week, he goes against an Arizona Cardinals defense that has shut down running backs all season. In the last four games, the Cardinals have allowed just 12.65 points to backs and will likely shut down Bush again Sunday.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals

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Over the last three weeks, Larry Fitzgerald has experienced somewhat of a fantasy revival; however, a change at quarterback and a stout defense on the other side might be too much for him to overcome.

Drew Stanton took over under center in Week 10 and will likely be there for the foreseeable future. Carson Palmer tore his ACL, per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com, so the combination of Fitzgerald and Palmer will have to wait until next season.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions come to town with a 7-2 record and one of the staunchest defenses in the league. With the Lions holding receiving corps to just 17.09 total points this season, Fitz and Stanton should be in for a tough day.

Fantasy stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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