Andrew Hedglen
Contributing Writer
Heading into the last week of bye weeks, it is now the time to begin the preparations for playoffs. Make the final trades and transactions to get your team tuned up for a playoff run. In week 11, here are the guys we want to start:
Marcel Reece (Raiders RB) – With Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson both out with high ankle sprains, Reece took 13 carries and seven catches for over 100 yards last week against Baltimore. In a home match-up against the Saints, the sky is the limit for the new workhorse. The Saints have given up the third-most fantasy points to running backs, and McFadden and Goodson are a long shot to even suit up this week.
Titus Young (Lions WR) – Young had seven targets last week, and is a solid option in Detroit’s passing attack. He is alongside of Calvin Johnson, and while rookie Ryan Broyles has stepped up in the slot, Brandon Pettigrew is ahead in targets and Joique Bell steals catches on checkdowns. Young is getting his share since Nate Burleson went out for the season. The Packers have given up the 11th-most fantasy points to wideouts this year, so it could be a shootout in Detroit.
Scott Chandler (Bills TE) – After a dismal few weeks, Chandler got back on track in a favorable match-up against New England with 65 receiving yards and a touchdown. Up against Miami Thursday night with Fred Jackson out, the Dolphins may look to key in on C.J. Spiller. The Bills don’t have too many options, so Chandler will get a ton of looks.
Ryan Tannehill (Dolphins QB) – After throwing for a little over 100 yards and three interceptions last week in a 37-3 blowout loss to the Titans, look for Tannehill to bounce back. He hadn’t thrown an interception in 107 attempts prior to last week’s game, and the rookie has had a 15-plus fantasy performance every other week this season. The Bills are third-worst against the pass. If you need a quarterback, don’t give up on Tannehill after last week.
Here are some starters that should sit this week:
Joe Flacco (Ravens QB) – Flacco had four touchdowns last week and a 30-point fantasy performance against the Raiders. Flacco has only had one other four-touchdown performances in his entire career, and Pittsburgh is the best at defending the passing game. It will be real ugly for Flacco, and he’s only fared well in favorable match-ups.
Michael Turner (Falcons RB) – They play the Cardinals, who have been in the top third of the league in defending the run. Last week, they played the Saints, who give up the third-most fantasy points to running backs, and Turner only had 15 yards. The Falcons have been utilizing younger, more explosive Jacquizz Rodgers more and more, and Turner’s fantasy value continues to diminish.
Steve Smith (Panthers WR) – He had a nice few weeks until this week, when he had one catch for 19 yards, and Coach Ron Rivera benched him to take a look at other receivers. The benching is the thing that scares me, as the 2-7 Panthers seem to be looking toward next season already. It was a very surprising move. The match-up couldn’t be better, as they face the second-worst Buccaneers pass defense, but there are usually better options under these strange circumstances.
Dennis Pitta (Ravens TE) – Pitta had 67 yards and a touchdown last week, but it won’t happen against the league-best pass defense in Pittsburgh. Pitta has been invisible from week four to this week, so it’s a long shot for Pitta to be a viable fantasy option this week with the match-up.