NFL Week 11 Predictions: Looking Ahead to Top Fantasy Football Performers

Although it's early in the week and the projections could change between now and Week 11, predicting the top fantasy performers at each position is worth discussing.

So to get hit it quick, here are the best performances in Week 11 of fantasy football.

QB: Aaron Rodgers, Packers (vs Tampa Bay)

Tampa's defense is completely abysmal and they honestly shouldn't even bother showing up to Lambeau in Week 11. The Bucs' rank No. 28 against the pass and No. 29 against the rush, so what makes anyone think they have a shot at stopping the Packers?

Aaron Rodgers is on pace to throw for over 5,200 yards and the Bucs gave up 37 points to the Andre Johnson-less Texans who—although solid—are not on Green Bay's level. If Rodgers doesn't shred Tampa for four TDs and almost 400 yards it will be an accomplishment for the Buccaneers.

RB: Frank Gore, 49ers (vs Arizona)

Almost on the level of Tampa Bay but not quite, however, Arizona's defense still allows quite a bit of yardage. The Cardinals rank No. 21 against the rush and No. 24 against the pass, so it's reasonable to suspect that Frank Gore will blast them.

And although Gore got injured last week, it's not being considered a big concern this week. So, not only should you expect Gore to suit and play, but play well because the 49ers are arguably the best team in football right now.

WR: Calvin Johnson, Lions (vs Carolina)

Last week Calvin Johnson caught seven passes for 81 yards—yeah, and that's a down game for him. Therefore he will get back to his high standards in Week 11 when the Lions host the Panthers.

Carolina allows not even 225 pass yards per game. However, they allow almost 140 on the ground. Now, although the Lions aren't known for pounding the rock right now, they will establish a ground game to setup Megatron late. So he'll get his top numbers, but it just won't begin to happen until the third or fourth quarter.

TE: Jake Ballard, Giants (vs Philadelphia)

It would be easy to go with Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez on this one, but Giants TE Jake Ballard deserves some props. And with the Eagles underachieving once again along with a weak LB core, Ballard will get some targets this week.

New York has a solid passing game and it's threatening enough that Ballard will be left in many one-on-one situations. Provided that Eli Manning has even a little bit of time, Ballard should be his top target in Week 11, especially in the red zone.

Kicker: Phil Dawson, Browns (vs Jacksonville)

For the 2011 season, Cleveland kicker Phil Dawson is 13-of-16 on FGs and 11-of-11 on extra points. In the last two games he's attempted seven FGs, so if you have him in fantasy be sure to start him. And if he's available, pick 'em up.

The Browns' offense is proving their just good enough to move the ball but not score TDs, so relying on Dawson is score is their only hope. Phil can rack up some good fantasy numbers and will do so this week against the Jags' bend-but-don't-break defense.

Defense/Special Teams: Chicago Bears

Early in the season the Chicago Bears' defense was struggling against both the pass and run. Now, although they still somewhat struggle against the pass, The Monsters of the Midway have gotten a lot better.

Against the rush the Bears have moved up into the top 15 and in their four-game win streak, only the Eagles were able to break the 20-point barrier. This week The Windy City hosts the 4-5 Chargers who are on a four-game losing streak and can't run the ball.

So, not only will the Bears be able to stop the run with just the front four, but the pass defense will pick off INT-prone QB Philip Rivers as well. Chicago has arguably their best defensive performance of the year and Devin Hester takes another kick back to the house against the weak Bolts special teams.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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