Week 11 Waiver Wire: Looking at the Best Available Injury Replacements

Injuries are a part of both the NFL and fantasy football, and like the NFL, fantasy owners have the ability to go to the free-agent pool to replace their best injured players.

With injuries to several stars in Week 11, including Michael Vick, Matt Schaub and A.J. Green, the waiver wire is the place for the fantasy side to fill in the gaps.

Let's take a look at the best injury replacements available. 

Carson Palmer for Michael Vick

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has two cracked ribs, and while he hasn't been counted out for Sunday's game against the Giants, it's looking unlikely that he'll play. 

While Vick hasn't had a good 2011 season statistically, he was still a top draft choice and needs to be replaced by a guy who could put up big points. 

Look no further than Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer, who is starting to catch fire and plays one of the NFL's worst secondaries in the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. 

Palmer has thrown for five scores in his last two games, and only the Colts have given up more touchdown passes this season than the Vikings. They'll also be without Antoine Winfield, who broke his clavicle against the Packers.  

Vince Young for Matt Schaub

The Houston Texans learned Monday that Matt Schaub will likely miss the rest of the 2011 season with a right foot injury. 

To replace him on your fantasy roster, I'm staying away from Matt Leinart, the Texans backup quarterback. Instead, I'm going with Vick's backup in Philadelphia. 

Young doesn't have a perfect matchup against the Giants this weekend, but his threat to pass and throw has always given Young fantasy value.

He won't be a long-term fix at quarterback for those who will miss Schaub, but Young can give you a one-week bridge to the next guy.

Lance Ball for Willis McGahee/Knowshon Moreno

Willis McGahee hurt his hamstring early in the Broncos' 17-10 win over the Chiefs last weekend, and Knowshon Moreno, his backup, promptly tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season. 

Stick with the Broncos' backfield in replacing either of the two running backs this week. 

After McGahee and Moreno went out on Sunday, Lance Ball got 30 carries and racked up 96 yards on the ground. While the Jets—the Broncos opponent on Thursday—have been better against the run of late, Denver will undoubtedly run the ball plenty. 

Expect Ball to get a number of those carries Thursday night.

Laurent Robinson for Julio Jones

Falcons receiver Julio Jones left Sunday's loss to the Saints in the second half with a hamstring injury. Atlanta has been mute on his playing status for this Sunday's game, but you better find a capable replacement just in case. 

Robinson is more than capable, and it's somewhat surprising that he is still available in more than 70 percent of ESPN leagues. 

Filling in for both Miles Austin (who is still out with an injury) and Dez Bryant in recent weeks, Robinson has four touchdowns and over 200 yards receiving. 

The targets won't be there in huge amounts, but it's clear that Robinson has a knack for making the most of his opportunities. 

Denarius Moore for A.J. Green

Bengals receiver A.J. Green hurt his knee on a touchdown reception in the first half of Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he looks to be a game-time decision this weekend against the Ravens. Like Jones in Atlanta, it's best to have a backup plan with Green. 

Denarius Moore looks like he could be a safe bet this week in a replacement role. 

With Carson Palmer stabilizing the Raiders' quarterback position, Moore has resumed his production from the beginning of the season. He has over 180 yards and two scores over the past two weeks. 

We've already touched on the nice matchup for the Raiders' passing game this week, and Moore could be one of the big benefactors in Minnesota.