Before I start giving my suggestions on who to play and who not to for week 11, I would like to reflect back on something from week 10. If I remember correctly, I saw ESPN fantasy football analyst Matthew Berry saying to start Jay Cutler against the 49ers for their week ten game.
Well, Cutler threw five picks and now leads the NFL in that department. I just found it interesting how these so-called experts can be so wrong half the time. It gives me confidence that I too can be wrong on many of my predictions, yet still be considered an analyst. That was my problem of the week, but without further complaining from me, here is who to start and sit for week eleven.
Start/ Sit
Justin Forsett, RB, Seattle- There is no question fantasy owners around the country will be rushing to pick up Forsett on the waiver wire after he filled in nicely for an injured Julius Jones in a losing effort against Arizona. While the Seahawks play a better Minnesota team in week 11, there are quite a few similarities between the Cardinals and Vikings defenses’. They allow the same amount of points per game, same yardage allowed per carry and close to the same yards rushing allowed per game. With reports saying Julius Jones has bleeding in his lung, signs would point to Forsett getting several touches in the Seahawks week eleven game, as well as the remainder of the season. Start Forsett this week with expectations that he will have another surprise performance to follow up last week’s 123 yards and one touchdown outburst.
Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver- He had one of his worst performances of the year in the first game of this match up with only 49 yards receiving, not to mention Kyle Orton may not be playing this time around. This question of whether to start or sit him solely depends on Orton’s status. Simply put, Chris Simms looked atrocious while filling in for the injured Orton, completing only three out of 13 passes with an interception. If Orton gets the nod to start, then Marshall is clearly worth a start as well. But if Orton can’t go, then don’t expect Simms to somehow play better against a good team in San Diego.
Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati- He sure had me fooled. After continuing to prove his reemergence into the NFL, Benson suffered a hip injury in week 10 against Pittsburg. However, he is expected to play against a favorable match up against Oakland in week eleven. The Bengals should take an early lead, thus paving the way for Benson to do his work on the ground. Oakland, with 155.6, allows the fourth most rushing yards a game in the league so far- enough said. Also, a disclaimer about Larry Johnson; while he is expected to sign with the team, it is more of an insurance move. Do not look to him to become a viable fantasy running back anytime soon.
Defense/ Special Team of the Week: Dallas Cowboys- Owned in approximately 34% of ESPN leagues, the Cowboys D/ST has only had one poor game this season, and that was long ago in week two versus the Giants. Facing the Redskins in week eleven, they should rebound after a tough loss to Green Bay. The Washington offense is 24th in the NFL in yards per game and are six under in the turnover differential. On paper, this game looks like it should translate to a solid win for Dallas.
What about Jaquez Green?
An update on this article- Cedric Benson was actually listed as doubtful for week eleven’s game versus Oakland. His injury is not believed to be severe, but in light of this seemingly easy game for Cincy, they are sitting him in favor of Bernard Scott(if stil available, try to pick him up off waivers for a start this week). Additionally, Larry Johnson is still not worth a spot on your starting lineup, for now atleast.