NFL Fantasy Football: Sneaky Week 11 Pick-Ups To Stay Ahead of the Curve

Ryan Lester

Nov 14, 2010

If your roster is pretty much set this week, you may want to take a peek ahead to next week. I know you've heard the phrase "one opponent at a time," but that’s not the case in fantasyland. While people are struggling to fill out this week’s roster, be proactive and get a step ahead of them. Here are some targets with favorable Week 11 matchups.

Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams

Bradford is playing at home, where he’s been significantly better (79.6 passer rating and 233.2 ypg vs. 68.4 and 169.3 on the road), against Atlanta. The Falcons rank 26th in passing yards allowed (245.3). They have also allowed 16 passing TDs.

Other QB Options: David Garrard vs. CLE, Jon Kitna vs. DET, Mark Sanchez vs. HOU

Tim Hightower, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Beanie Wells’ knee has me concerned. If it’s going to continue to trouble him, and the team continues to struggle, why not shut him down to avoid further injury? With the byes past us after this week, he’s a good option to stash for the stretch run.

Keiland Williams, RB, Washington Redskins

With Ryan Torain and Clinton Portis banged up, Williams could find himself getting additional carries. If he runs with that opportunity (pun intended), Mike Shanahan is unpredictable enough to turn to Williams next week, especially since Torain and Portis will have less time to recover because they play on Monday.

Nate Burleson, WR, Detroit Lions

Some may avoid Burleson because Matthew Stafford is out. However, Shaun Hill was more than capable filling in, and he’s in line to start this week. If Burleson has another solid game, everyone will be lining up to get him. If he happens to be available in your league, you might as well grab him now.

Brandon Gibson, WR, St. Louis Rams

Gibson had six catches for 67 yards in the game before last week’s bye. After the break he shares the same favorable matchup as the aforementioned Sam Bradford.

Other WR Options: Seyi Ajirotutu vs. DEN, Mike Thomas vs. CLE, Robert Meachem vs. SEA

Benjamin Watson, TE, Cleveland Browns

It would not be crazy to think that Watson will spend more time blocking this week as he faces the blitz happy Jets. However, when he faced the Steelers back in Week 6 he had six catches for 88 yards. When he faced Baltimore in Week 3 he caught five passes for 47 yards and a score.

Plus, he had just two catches in the past two games, making it highly likely that Watson is available. Next week, he takes on the Jaguars, who have allowed 17 passing TDs this year. They have also allowed Bo Scaife, Tony Moeaki, and Jason Witten to combine for 192 yards and 2 TDs in their past three games.

If you own Aaron Hernandez, who plays against TE tough Indy, you may want to think about making the switch before your somebody else does.

Kansas City Chiefs Defense

They probably aren’t on anybody’s radar this week because they are facing Denver, but if you look ahead to next week they take on the struggling Arizona Cardinals.

Miami Dolphins Defense

The Dolphins take on the Titans this week, and the combination of Chris Johnson and Randy Moss probably scared fantasy owners away. Next week, though, they take on the Bears at home. That could mean multiple sacks on and INTs from Jay Cutler.

Other Defense Options: Detroit @ DAL, Dallas vs. DET, NO vs. SEA