Fantasy Football Week 11: Name Players Returning to Action

Week 11 of the NFL season is underway, and in fantasy leagues across the country managers are scrambling.

This is perhaps the most exciting point in a fantasy football season, as teams begin to clinch playoff spots.  Every point can make a huge difference in where you will be seeded for a shot at your league championship, if you are at all.

Week 11 this year is notable as three name players are expected back on the field.  During a time of year where sleepers and no-name players are gambled upon in fantasy play, this column will focus on what a manager can likely expect from these returning names before making their final roster calls for the week.

Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings

Perhaps the most talked about "when will he be back" player in 2010, Rice will take the field against Green Bay this week.

Those who have kept Rice all year, waiting patiently for his return from hip surgery, should temper expectations.  Rice had to be activated to avoid being put on IR for the rest of year.

He says he is going to play and given the Vikings season, he likely will—but not for every down.  I'd expect to see Rice used in short-yardage and third-down situations, where his fantasy success may hinge on possibly vulturing some touchdowns.

If you are in a league where Rice was dumped, grab him.  He is currently available in 41 percent of Yahoo! leagues and may be able to serve you well in the coming weeks, even if you don't need a plug-in WR this week.

Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints

Officially listed as questionable as of this writing, Bush will play this week against the Seahawks.

It's hard to know how much Bush will be used, but if his leg feels fine he could see a lot of play.  His pass-catching ability may help offset the Saints injuries at tight end, and any team that's been forced to give carries to Julius Jones should use Bush a great deal.

Bush is available in 29 percent of Yahoo! leagues right now.   As with Rice, even if you don't need him this week, he is obviously worth a grab-and-stash on your roster for coming weeks, or to block other managers from moving on him.

Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins

Portis will return this week, but unless you are paper thin at running back I wouldn't suggest you lean on him.

Ryan Torain is out, but Keiland Williams will likely see a time-share with Portis in the Washington backfield after his numbers against the Eagles last week.

Portis could vulture some scoring opportunities in goal-line situations.

He is currently available in a whopping 65 percent of Yahoo! leagues.