Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Last-Minute Advice for Your Team

Today is, no doubt, another big day in your fantasy football season. The push for the playoffs has already begun, and this week's results will have major implications.There are plenty of fantasy stars who have favorable matchups, and others who should be on your "Do Not Start" list.

My recommendations this week include a few wild-card picks. If your team is in a good spot to earn a playoff berth then you should stick to the basics. However, if you're on the fringe, it might be time to take a few risks.

As always, be sure to closely monitor the injury report and inactives list. Some of my recommendations are based on injuries. Sit down, grab your remote and hope the football gods have a great day of football in store.

Start ’Em: Frank Gore, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco's Frank Gore might be a little banged up, but he is still a top-level fantasy starter this weekend.

The 49ers' offensive game plan focuses on controlling the clock and feeding Gore the football. If he plays, Gore will get a ton of carries. San Francisco is facing the Arizona Cardinals, who allows 123 rushing yards per game.

Gore has a great matchup, and will get the carries necessary to have a great fantasy football day. If you own Gore, make sure he is in your lineup. Don't let the minor injury sway your opinion, he will play and have a big game.

The 49ers are not going to blow anyone out, which is also something that helps Gore owners. San Francisco will need Gore in order to close out the game.

Start ’Em: Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots

Despite a few ups and downs, the New England Patriots offense is still an extremely potent unit. Of course, the offense runs through Tom Brady, who is in line for another MVP chase. This weekend’s matchup is very favorable.

The Patriots are hosting the Kansas City Chiefs, who are facing more than a few issues.  Kansas City is allowing 230 passing yards per game, but that is only half the story.  This week they will be without starting quarterback Matt Cassel. His replacement Tyler Palko is going to have a rough time sustaining drives.

Kansas City's offensive struggles is going to result in more offensive snaps for the Patriots. Brady figures to have plenty of opportunities to score some fantasy points.

Start ’Em: Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars offense as a whole isn’t very effective, but the running game has been the lone bright spot. It is remarkable to think that Maurice Jones-Drew has found success without a passing game to help loosen things up.

Jones-Drew is averaging around 94 yards per game, despite constantly facing eight guys in the box. He has produced against top-level defenses like the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.

This week, Jones-Drew has a favorable matchup against the Cleveland Browns who are allowing 142 rushing yards per game. Jacksonville knows that Jones-Drew is the reason they have a chance to win football games. He will be getting the ball early and often.

Start ’Em: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buffalo Bills are struggling through a rough patch. This is the point in the season that will make or break the Bills playoff hopes. They are facing the Miami Dolphins, who are on a winning streak, but still aren’t playing great football.

I feel that Fitzpatrick is going to bust out of his slump and really have a big fantasy day. The Dolphins are allowing 256 passing yards per game, making this a great opportunity for Fitzpatrick.

He is also a gamer, who doesn’t crumble under pressure.  Fitzpatrick will overcome his recent struggles and throw for multiple touchdowns.

Playing Fitzpatrick might be a risk, especially because he is likely your backup starter. However, if your top quarterback has struggled, I would give Fitzpatrick an opportunity.

Sit ’Em: Beanie Wells, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals

All running backs who face the San Francisco 49ers have a terrible fantasy football performance. They have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher or a rushing touchdown by a team’s top back. Beanie Wells should be nowhere near your starting lineup.

Not only will the 49ers defense shut down the Cardinals rushing attack, but their offense will also play a role. The 49ers offense will control the clock and limit the amount of possessions for the Cardinals. Wells is going to really have a hard time finding success this weekend.

You also need to factor in Wells' injury history. He is still nursing a few nagging injuries, which could force an early exit. At this point, the rewards isn't worth the risk.

Sit ’Em: Chris Johnson, Running Back, Tennessee Titans

Last week, Chris Johnson finally started to resemble the explosive player we are used to seeing. However, one game doesn’t make me feel 100 percent comfortable. Johnson has really struggled this season, not making the plays he is used to making every week.

This week is a very tough matchup, as the Atlanta Falcons do a great job stuffing the run. They are only allowing 90 rushing yards per game. Johnson always has the potential for a big performance, but if you have better options I would sit Johnson.

Sitting Johnson might be a tough move, as he could be at the beginning of a run of strong performances. He is important to the success of the Titans, meaning he will get the football. However, the Falcons are also aware of his importance, which means he will be getting plenty of attention.