Fantasy Football Week 11: Big-Play Performers Sure To Be Point Machines
Fantasy football Week 11 presents us with some truly fascinating matchups. Many of the league's top runners and receivers are running into some elite defenses this week, meaning there's a good chance their stats could take a serious hit by the end of the day.
Even so, there are still plenty of potential big-play days out there, and these 20 players are either talented enough or are playing a favorable enough matchup to get you the kind of day you need to win your matchup this week.
20. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
1 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Under normal circumstances, Foster is a virtual lock for a top-10 spot on this list, and almost a top-five spot. He's been one of the most dynamic, explosive runners in football in 2010 and has five 100-yard performances to his credit.
Who’s the Matchup: The New York Jets have the league's best run defense in 2010, and have allowed a grand total of zero 100-yard rushing days this season.
The Verdict: The Jets can give up 80-to-90 yards rushing in a game and Foster's got the skill to hit somewhere in that range.
20 carries, 85 yards.
19. Jacob Tamme, TE, Indianapolis Colts
2 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Tamme has slipped into the role previously filled by Dallas Clark quite nicely in Indianapolis thus far, producing a consistent 70-to-90 yards per game receiving.
Who’s the Matchup: The Patriots rank 20th in the NFL against tight ends, and Tamme is just the type of player they have trouble containing.
The Verdict: With a fairly soft matchup and a healthy back, Tamme figures to have yet another strong day in store.
Seven catches, 85 yards.
18. Anquan Boldin, WR, Baltimore Ravens
3 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Boldin's still the best wideout in Baltimore, and he has developed a strong connection with quarterback Joe Flacco. He's capable of going off in any game and delivers a solid performance every single week.
Who’s the Matchup: Carolina ranks third against opposing wideouts, but that's more a product of teams not throwing the ball in the second half because the game is already well out of reach.
The Verdict: Expect a strong showing from Boldin against a relatively soft opponent this week.
Eight catches, 85 yards.
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17. Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills
4 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson has emerged as the best wideout in Buffalo, but teams are still throwing their second corners at him, resulting in some big days. He's got the capability to score from anywhere and has posted some strong yardage days this season.
Who’s the Matchup: Cincinnati ranks 12th in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but the Bengals have been burned quite a bit by the position this season and Buffalo loves to air it out.
The Verdict: Johnson ought to get open for a few big plays in this one, and his run of stong play should resume after last week's hiccup.
Five catches, 85 yards.
16. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England Patriots
5 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: The Law Firm rebounded from some shaky performances in Week 10, posting 87 yards on 18 carries against a stellar Pittsburgh run defense. Green-Ellis has the potential to take off from anywhere and tear off a big gain.
Who’s the Matchup: The Colts defense is one of the league's softest against the run and Green-Ellis' running style should give them fits.
The Verdict: Big day for The Law Firm in this one, as the Colts don't have the ability to lock him down and contain the passing game.
19 carries, 87 yards.
15. Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
6 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: White has scorched good defenses, bad defenses and everything in between in 2010, emerging as one of the NFL's top playmakers.
Who’s the Matchup: St. Louis ranks ninth in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but it doesn't have the skills to contain a talent as dynamic as White is.
The Verdict: With a decent matchup, White is poised for yet another big game this week.
Eight catches, 90 yards.
14. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints
7 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Colston is the best wideout in New Orleans, and does most of his damage on those deep passes the Saints love to throw. He's got the size, speed and hands to make him a prime candidate to go off at any time.
Who’s the Matchup: Seattle's defense ranks 27th against opposing wideouts and should be powerless to contain Marques.
The Verdict: With such a weak defense coming to the Superdome, expect big things from Colston this week.
Eight catches, 90 yards.
13. Vernon Davis, TE, San Francisco 49ers
8 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Davis is big, fast and has excellent hands. He's been a reliable option for much of 2010, regardless of who's putting the ball in the air.
Who’s the Matchup: Tampa Bay ranks 11th in the NFL against opposing tight ends, but given Davis' skill set, the Bucs should struggle to keep him in check.
The Verdict: Look for another good day out of the big, rangy tight end this week in what will ultimately prove to be a favorable matchup.
Seven catches, 94 yards.
12. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
9 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Broken finger or no broken finger, Steven Jackson is an obscenely talented runner and receiver out of the backfield. He's capable of racking up big gains all game long and he's coming off a 148 total-yard performance against the 49ers last week.
Who’s the Matchup: Atlanta ranks fifth in the NFL against opposing running backs, but with the way Jackson has been performing as of late, it might not matter much.
The Verdict: He's rolling right now, so stick with the hot hand.
15 carries, 70 yards, Three catches, 20 yards.
11. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
10 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Good teams, bad teams—it doesn't matter with AP. He delivers strong performances week in and week out.
Who’s the Matchup: Green Bay's defense ranks third in the NFL against opposing running backs in 2010, but Peterson had a big day against it in Week 7.
The Verdict: Peterson's a workhorse. Use him every week and you'll rarely be disappointed.
18 carries, 94 yards.
10. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts
11 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Wayne is capable of making plays against any defense at any time and he's Peyton Manning's best target. He had a rough week last week, but he ought to rebound strong against a soft defense this week.
Who’s the Matchup: New England ranks just 25th in the NFL against opposing wide receivers and the Patriots lack the size to effectively cover a receiver with Wayne's size.
The Verdict: Reggie's been a solid play all season, and he should bounce back after a disappointing Week 10.
Eight catches, 95 yards.
9. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
12 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Rice has been gobbling up yards all season long and his versatility in the rushing and passing games make him a prime candidate to have a big game almost every week.
Who’s the Matchup: Carolina ranks 23rd in the NFL against opposing running backs and Rice is one of the league's most dynamic rushers.
The Verdict: Rice is poised for yet another strong day on the ground and through the air.
15 carries, 80 yards, Two catches, 20 yards.
8. Chris Johnson, RB Tennessee Titans
13 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson is one of the most explosive backs in football and he's nearly impossible to catch in the open field. He's a strong runner and it seems like he manages to post 100-yard games almost every week.
Who’s the Matchup: The Redskins rank 19th in the NFL against opposing running backs and Johnson is just the kind of back who could give them fits.
The Verdict: Big day for Chris this week, as his campaign to be the best running back in the NFL continues.
20 carries, 105 yards.
7. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
14 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson might be the best wideout in the NFL when he's healthy. Even when he's not at 100 percent, he's still a top-five receiver, capable of delivering stellar performances week in and week out.
Who’s the Matchup: The Jets rank 22nd in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but that number has improved in each of their last two contests.
The Verdict: The Jets secondary might be improving, but they still lack a player capable of shutting down Andre Johnson all game long.
Nine catches, 105 yards.
6. Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
15 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Can anyone stop Peyton Hillis in 2010? He racks up big yardage against elite defenses and crappy ones alike, and his bruising, powerful, explosive running style makes him nearly unstoppable.
Who’s the Matchup: The Jacksonville defense ranks 22nd in the NFL against opposing rushers in 2010. When combined with their ineptitude stopping the pass, it makes the Jaguars arguably the worst defense in football.
The Verdict: Hillis is the Jags' worst nightmare. He's capable of running over and through their defense every play.
20 carries, 110 yards.
5. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Bowe has been scalding hot the last five weeks, posting three 20-point performances and a pair of 100-yard games in that span. He's the best receiver in Kansas City and he is capable of breaking off a huge play at any time.
Who’s the Matchup: Arizona's defense ranks 23rd against opposing wideouts in 2010 and has been one of the more hapless units in the NFL against the pass.
The Verdict: Bowe gets yet another soft matchup this week. Expect him to take full advantage.
Nine catches, 107 yards.
4. Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers
17 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Jennings is the best wideout in Green Bay, one of the few healthy ones, and he has been one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets all season. He's been on a tear of late and he gets a good matchup to keep it going.
Who’s the Matchup: Minnesota ranks 15th against the pass, but expect Jennings to get lots of looks down field all game long.
The Verdict: These teams don't like each other and, with the Vikings vulnerable, expect Jennings and Rodgers to pick them apart.
10 catches, 110 yards.
3. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
18 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Charles is as explosive as any back in the NFL and he has had several strong games despite splitting time in Kansas City's backfield with Thomas Jones.
Who’s the Matchup: The Cardinals rank second-to-last in the NFL against opposing running backs and Charles has the skills to make them pay all game long.
The Verdict: Thomas Jones or no Thomas Jones, Charles' skills rushing and receiving make him a serious threat against the hapless Cards.
17 carries, 90 yards, Three catches, 20 yards.
2. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
19 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Johnson is supremely talented and he is capable of beating double (and sometimes triple) teams to make big plays on a routine basis. He's been on a tear for almost the entire season, despite switching quarterbacks on a regular basis all season long.
Who’s the Matchup: Dallas ranks 30th against opposing wideouts and if you think they are capable of shutting down Megatron, you haven't been paying attention.
The Verdict: Johnson should have a fantastic game, even if his knee is acting up.
10 catches, 110 yards.
1. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
20 of 20
Why He’s a Big-Play Candidate: Gore has been a reliable fantasy stud all season long, posting big games rushing the ball, catching the ball and scoring touchdowns. He's capable of posting big numbers across the board.
Who’s the Matchup: Tampa Bay ranks 29th in the NFL against opposing running backs and Gore has the skills to punish them all day long.
The Verdict: Gore's versatility and power will make him a nightmare for a Bucs defense that has proven quite soft against the run in 2010.
20 carries, 115 yards.
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