NFL Week 11 Fantasy Rankings: Cam Newton and More Superstars You Must Bench

Most fantasy football owners tend to stick with the horses that got them there. Regardless of recent downward trends or bad matchups, they're willing to keep playing their star players. It's not always the best strategy, though. For example, consider searching for alternatives to the following three players.

Quarterback: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Carolina's rookie sensation has been one of this season's biggest fantasy surprises. Newton's dual-threat ability has allowed him to catch defenses off guard to the tune of 18.4 fantasy points per game. However, he's scored less than 10 points in two of his past four games.

Things will only get more difficult against the Detroit Lions, who rank third against opposing fantasy quarterbacks. This part of the season is where first-year players tend to show signs of wearing down, so make sure to have another QB available on a weekly basis.

Week 11 Projection: 10 fantasy points

Running back: Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

After scoring at least 11 points in his first five games, Mathews hasn't crossed that threshold since. He's battled nagging injuries, which have led to a smaller workload, and Mike Tolbert is always looking over his shoulder.

Tolbert's presence is especially frustrating inside the red zone and it limits Mathews' potential. The duo goes up against an improving Chicago Bears defense on Sunday and are both shaky fantasy plays until the situation sorts itself out.

Week 11 Projection: Eight fantasy points

Wide receiver: Stevie Johnson, Buffalo Bills

Johnson hasn't reached the double-digit point plateau since Week 3, and is questionable with a shoulder injury. Even though he is expected to suit up, his value is limited since Buffalo's offense has slowed significantly in recent weeks.

The Bills used an efficient, quick passing attack early in the season, but defenses have adjusted. Until Ryan Fitzpatrick can figure things out, everybody on Buffalo other than Fred Jackson becomes a risky fantasy start. That includes Johnson.

Week 11 Projection: Seven fantasy points