Fantasy Football, Week Eleven Bumps and Bruises: Are You Covered?

As Week Eleven yawns its presence before us, one of the biggest concerns for managers out there right now is the hefty list of running backs unable to go, leaving most Fantasy teams scrambling to adjust.

If that’s not enough, there are almost an equal amount of backups that are hurting just as much, which means if you are one of those managers, you have some serious issues to deal with.

For the past two weeks, running backs were the most searched position in Fantasy and rightfully so with players such as Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook, Cedric Benson, Michael Turner, Correll Buckhalter, Chad Simpson, and Ronnie Brown  on the mend.

In addition, players such as Jerious Norwood, who is unlikely to have an effect—if play at all—Reggie Bush who is dealing with knee swelling, Ladell Betts who is healthier than last week, but facing a difficult Cowboys run D, and Darren McFadden who is still struggling to find is mojo, are making things far more difficult than most expected this time of year—the most crucial part of the season.

The good news is, with the vast amount of marquee running backs not playing this week, the combination of extra work being assumed by the receivers, and the emergence of some no name running backs should work nicely together to help put a tourniquet on the bleeding.

The Big Four to Keep in Mind

The Bengals will undoubtedly go with Bernard Scott, but I wouldn’t count out Larry Johnson since he will probably get some carries in the game due mostly to his knowledge of the Raiders D. Just don’t consider him a starter unless you have nobody else to play.

The Falcons are hurting tremendously with both Turner and Norwood out. Jason Snelling will be the featured back all day which could be a huge waiver wire sleeper pickup , but you can also expect Roddy White to see a lot more balls being thrown his way.

The Colts are typically a team that, if need be, can survive without a running back. Considering Joseph Addai and Chad Simpson are both out—the time for Donald Brown to show his stuff is now—laid before him like a blue and white carpet. He could be a nice one-week grab if he is still out there. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark will no doubt be a huge part of the offense this week.

The Dolphins suffered their biggest blow of the season yet in losing Ronnie Brown , but considering Ricky Williams has been playing rather well, you can safely pick him up or start him if you are in need.  Don’t be surprised if Greg Camarillo sees a few more looks since he was at one time the No. 1 possession receiver for Miami.

Again, when there are significant injuries to the top running backs, it is their respective receivers that will see more work. Whether it is in real game time, or in garbage time, it’s those receivers you should consider giving the nod, even if they don’t appear to have a favorable matchup.

And don’t forget the backup running backs—even if some of them are third stringers. Some of these guys coming in to alleviate the pain are already talented enough to provide Fantasy sustenance, you just don’t hear enough about them to believe that.

If you would like a full breakdown of Start-Sit Receiver Rankings, please visit my column here.

And as always, good luck this week all!