Week 11 Fantasy Football Sleepers

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Fred Jackson (RB) Buffalo- Fred Jackson might be the best kept secret in football. Over the last two games he’s scored three touchdowns, caught 11 passes, and is coming off of a 133 yard performance against Detroit. Now C.J. Spiller has been ruled out, so no one is a threat to take any of the playing time away from Jackson. He makes a great start this week against a Bengals defense that ranks 22nd versus the rush, and has given up a rushing score in every game since Week 3.

Jermaine Gresham (TE) Cincinnati- We mentioned Gresham as a great Waiver add for Week 11. In every game this year, Gresham has caught at least two passes. He also has three scores so far this year, and is coming off a big game against the Colts. The Bengals host the Bills this week, who have given up eight touchdowns to tight ends so far this season.

Mike Thomas (WR) Jacksonville- Thomas has gotten more publicity after his fortuitous Hail-Mary catch than ever at any time in his career. He is actually leading the Jaguars surprising pass offense in catches and yards. In Week 11, Mike Sims-Walker will be out of the Jags line-up, so David Garrard will

look to Thomas even more than usual. Jacksonville should rely on the pass heavily this week. They play the Browns, who are stout against the run, but below average defending the pass.

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Randy McMichael (TE) San Diego- Antonio Gates is still hurting, and is not certain to play. The tough part of that is that the Chargers play on Monday Night Football, well after most fantasy football rosters are due to be set. If Gates were to miss this game, McMichael could fill in surprisingly well. He’s not the athlete that Gates is, but McMichael can play. In his only start this year, in relief of Gates, McMichael scored two touchdowns.

Santonio Holmes (WR) New York Jets- The Jets are playing the Texans, get them in your lineups. Since missing the first four games of the year with a suspension, Homes is leading the Jets in receptions. In Week 11, Jerricho Cotchery miss the game. That should mean more underneath looks from Holmes and Keller. As he showed last week, Holmes also has the ability to burn defenses deep. That’s been a particular problem for the much maligned Houston defense all season.

Roy Williams (WR) Dallas- With Tony Romo out, and Dez Bryant emerging, Roy Williams has become an afterthought in the Cowboys passing game. He hasn’t scored, or caught more than two passes in four straight contests. Eventually teams are going to have to start shifting coverage towards Bryant, and away from Williams, leaving the former Longhorn defended by weaker players and coverages. Dallas does host the Lions this week, so they could try to force a few more balls to Williams in a “revenge” game.

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Clinton Portis (RB) Washington- Ryan Torain re-injured his hamstring in warm-ups Monday. So just when we thought Keiland Williams would become the next runner for the Redskins, Clinton Portis is expected to return to make sure that the backfield is good and crowded. Mike Shanahan seems to prefer it that way, even if we don’t. Portis won’t play a huge role, as he’s likely to be eased back into action. The Redskins also play a tough Titans defense. He does warrant immediate considerations going forward, however. Torain could miss several weeks, and Portis is still capable of some good games.

Bernard Scott (RB) Cincinnati- Cedric Benson is showing up on the injury report as questionable. He’ll likely play, but the Bengals are facing the league’s worst run defense in the Buffalo Bills. Scott could spell Benson more if the Bengals get off to a lead, or if Benson is limited. Although Cincinnati doesn’t throw to their running backs much, if the game gets out of hand, either way, Scott could contribute a few catches in the second half. Monitor Benson’s health, and don’t hesitate to handcuff Scott if you own Benson.

Duke Calhoun (WR) New York Giants- Ramses Barden and Steve Smith are both out. Kevin Boss is hurting. Calhoun, who has never caught an NFL pass, certainly will have the opportunity to see significant action for the Giants. In Week 11, New York is playing a Philadelphia defense that is only average against the pass, and has surrendered 16 touchdowns through the air so far in 2010.