Week 11 – Sleepers

It’s hard to believe Week 11 is already upon us.  This is the home stretch as NFL teams and, as equally important, your fantasy team make a run for the playoffs.  Making the right lineup decision, waiver wire add, and final trade negotiation (trade deadlines are typically this week or next) are more critical than ever.  Like a lost soul, you’ve found your way to fantasy salvation as The Machine is here to guide you through the treturous final weeks of the regular season.

Last week in this article we pimped the likes of Jake Locker (122 pass yards, 2 pass TDs, 36 rushing yards ~ 20 fantasy points…..a rather efficient day for Jake, considering he only completed 9 passes), Scott Chandler (5/65/1 ~ 17.5 fp), Danario Alexander (5/134/1 ~ 29 fp).  On the flip side we also threw our trust behind Ryan Tannehill (217/0/3 ~2.5 fp), Taiwan Jones (2.3 fp) and Ryan Broyles (1.6 fp).  We’re not going to hit on all of these pick, obviously, but that is kind of the point.  In most instances we’re identifying guys that are still available on the waiver wire in most competitive leagues (there is a reason they are sitting on the waiver wire) and have a chance to make a difference in a spot start, bye week filler, or desperation flex play.  With that, here are a few candidates that could make the week 11 highlight reels:

1. Oakland Receivers – Poor Carson Palmer, the guy just can’t catch a break.  His NFL career is defined by a gruesome knee injury sandwiched between stints of playing quarterback for the hapless Bengals and Raiders. Palmer has been slinging it all over the field with a great deal of success.  In his last five he is averaging 328 passing yards and 2 TDs.  Part of that box score success rests on the Oaklands inability to slow any one down.  And with the Drew Brees and the surging Saints coming to town expect boatloads of points and yardage via the passing game; this is the highest over/under of the week at 55.  Brandon Myers, TE (38% Y!) has been cleared off last weeks concussion and should be ready to roll as Palmers relief valve.  Rod Streater, WR (1% Y!) might see some playing time if DHB’s hammy acts up during pre-game warm-ups.  Chances are Marcel Reece, RB (63% Y!) isn;t available in your league, but if he is pick him up and start him with confidence this week.

2. Ronnie Brown, RB (12% Y!) – Browns inclusion on this list is based soley on opportunity.  The oft-injuried, ultra unreliable Ryan Matthews is dinged up, again!  Apparenly with a stiff neck suffered in practice?!  Who knows with this guy.  What we do know is that he missed practice Thursday and Friday, but it looks like he might suit up.  Brown should at least spell Matthews more than normal and see a fair amount of work as the third down back.  Sure, it looks as though Brown is running through mud, but he could plod his way to 60 total yards and a handful of catches.

3. Nick Foles, QB (16% Y!) – Love Foles in the first start of his NFL career.  He draws the dreadfully bad Washington secondary lead by the ‘Me’-angleo Hall.  Coming in for a concussed Vick, Foles slung it around fairly well against the boys.  Really, his only bad throw got picked and taken to the house.  Welcome to the NFL kid. With capable weapons at his disposal, Andy Reids commitment to the run despite having a top 3 running back and a full week of reps under his belt, Foles should have no troubles posting top 12 QB numbers, despite a couple of turnovers.

Others to consider: Danny Woodhead, RB (47% Y!), Chris Ivory, RB (29% Y!), James Starks, RB (21% Y!), Logan Paulsen, TE (3% Y!)

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