Play Action - Week 11

The Bye Weeks are behind us, the excuses are over, the Playoff Push is in full force.
This is no time for mistakes.
It's time to take an in-depth look at every game going in Week 11 and determine who to Start, Consider and Bench.

I'd also like to take a moment to give praise to Fantola's Milton J. for absolutely shredding "Beating The House". Everybody should have bet the ranch. If you didn't, hey, perhaps you should listen.


1:00pm EST Games

Dolphins @ Eagles
Dolphin Offense - Receiving: 212.2 (20), Rushing: 119.4 (11)
Eagles Defense - Receiving: 240.8 (24), Rushing: 100.1 (12)

Eagle Offense - Receiving: 255 (10), Rushing: 116.1 (14)
Dolphin Defense - Receiving: 192.3 (4), Rushing: 149.7 (30)

START: Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook (check), Eagle Defense
CONSIDER: Jesse Chatman, Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, L.J. Smith
BENCH: John Beck, Marty Booker, David Martin

Unless you're in an incredibly deep league, Jesse Chatman is the only Dolphin that should be owned. The team has made the switch to John Beck and will, therefore, have to endure rookie mistakes in addition to being a terrible team. The Eagles are decent against the run, so don't expect a big day here.
The Dolphins are surprisingly highly ranked against receivers. Still, D-Mac is coming off a long-awaited 4 TD performance and the Eagles love to pass. Still, don't expect a repeat. Brian Westbrook should be in store for a monster game. He is an important piece of the passing game and the Dolphins are horrible against the run. Also start the Eagle D and expect Beck to serve up some turnovers.
Keep in mind that the Eagles have an uncanny knack for finding ways to lose games.

Buccaneers @ Falcons - Dome
Buc Offense - Receiving: 222 (18), Rushing: 113 (15)
Falcon Defense - Receiving: 210.9 (8), Rushing: 121.2 (23)

Falcon Offense - Receiving: 213.2 (19), Rushing: 97.7 (20)
Buc Defense - Receiving: 185.6 (3), Rushing: 113.2 (18)

START: Earnest Graham (check), Joey Galloway, Buc Defense
CONSIDER: Jeff Garcia, Warrick Dunn, Roddy White
BENCH: Michael Pittman (check), Michael Bennett, Alex Smith, Byron Leftwich (check), Joey Harrington (check), Jerious Norwood (check), Alge Crumpler

Earnest Graham has firmly entrenched himself as the feature back in Tampa. Pittman should be active, but limited and Bennett has struggled to pick up the playbook. Joey Galloway is always a deep threat and the Buc Defense shouldn't have any difficulties shutting down the Falcons.
It is uncertain who will start at QB for Atlanta this week, and against the solid Buc pass D, it doesn't matter, you want to bench him. Warrick Dunn has been excellent carrying his heavy workload the past couple weeks, but look for the streak to end here. Norwood should play, but most likely in a very limited capacity. Roddy White will also have fits against this pass D.

Browns @ Ravens
Brown Offense - Receiving: 251.7 (11), Rushing: 103 (18)
Raven Defense - Receiving: 216.7 (12), Rushing: 73.7 (2)

Raven Offense - Receiving: 209.4 (22), Rushing: 100 (19)
Brown Defense - Receiving: 281.6 (31), Rushing: 137.8 (28)

START: Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Willis McGahee, Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason
CONSIDER: Kyle Boller, Raven Defense
BENCH: Jamal Lewis, Joe Jurevicius, Todd Heap (check)

The Brownies should win this game, but don't be shocked if they score relatively few points. Anderson, Edwards and Winslow are every week must-starts. Jamal Lewis shouldn't sniff your starting lineup this week.
Kyle Boller is my personal favorite sleeper of the week. The Brown Defense is a joke. And yes, yes you do see Mark Clayton as a recommended starter now that he doesn't have to deal with the just plain awful Steve McNair. Mason should also cash in a nice performance and look for McGahee to have a field day against these chumps. Todd Heap is unlikely to be active, but if he is, he deserves consideration, but will likely be limited.

Chargers @ Jaguars
Charger Offense - Receiving: 195.6 (24), Rushing: 110.8 (16)
Jaguar Defense - Receiving: 260.9 (28), Rushing: 102.7 (15)

Jaguar Offense - Receiving: 194.7 (25), Rushing: 142 (3)
Charger Defense - Receiving: 253 (26), Rushing: 119.4 (21)

START: LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Maurice Jones-Drew
CONSIDER: Chris Chambers
BENCH: Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson (check), David Garrard, Fred Taylor

A collision of two highly overrated defenses.
It's amazing how effectively the severely retarded Norv Turner has castrated the Charger Offense, choosing to ride the awful Philip Rivers instead of LT. Will things change this week? Who am I to guess the "thought" process of Norv? Look for Rivers to cash in a few turnovers as usual. Pray that the Chargers get close enough to the end zone for LT to get a TD and that Gates overcomes a poor QB and breaks out of his funk. Feel free to plan ways to lynch Norv now, if you'd like.
Look for the Jags to continue to effectively pound the ball. They tore up the Titans last week and shouldn't have too much trouble against the Chargers. Garrard should be owned as a reserve QB in your league, but isn't to be used unless you're in an emergency. No Jags receiver deserves consideration...ever.

Saints @ Texans
Saint Offense - Receiving: 271.9 (5), Rushing: 87.6 (27)
Texan Defense - Receiving: 213.9 (10), Rushing: 124.2 (24)

Texan Offense - Receiving: 265.2 (8), Rushing: 91.3 (23)
Saint Defense - Receiving: 262.4 (29), Rushing: 100.9 (14)

START: Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, David Patten, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels
CONSIDER: Matt Schaub
BENCH: Eric Johnson, Ahman Green (check), Ron Dayne (check Green), Kevin Walter, Andre Davis

The Saints got embarrassed by the lowly Rams in Week 10. Look for them to be out for blood here. The Texans are pretty good against the pass, but the Saints are really good at receiving. Keep Brees, Colston and Patten in your lineup. Reggie Bush overcame his bone bruise in Week 10 for a nice performance and should be effective here.
Andre Johnson finally returns for the Texans. Get him in your lineup, although he will likely have to shake off some rust. He's too good to leave on your bench. The return of AJ renders Andre Davis useless and will result in fewer looks for Kevin Walter. AJ's return should actually have a positive effect on Owen Daniels by removing some pressure...who knows, perhaps Owen even finds the end zone by accident. It is currently uncertain who will start for the Texans at RB, and I would expect a RBBC if Green is active. If Green is inactive, then Ron Dayne deserves some consideration against a porous Texan rush D.

Chiefs @ Colts - Dome
Chief Offense - Receiving: 229.6 (16), Rushing: 78.1 (31)
Colt Defense - Receiving: 175.6 (1), Rushing: 105.3 (16)

Colt Offense - Receiving: 266.1 (7), Rushing: 130.7 (9)
Chief Defense - Receiving: 231.4 (21), Rushing: 108.9 (17)

START: Tony Gonzalez, Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne, Colt Defense
CONSIDER: Priest Holmes
BENCH: Brodie Croyle, Kolby Smith, Dwayne Bowe, Marvin Harrison (check), Aaron Moorehead, Dallas Clark

The Brodie Croyle Era begins in Kansas City. Hey Brodie, enjoy the #1 ranked receiving defense. Good luck. Gonzo is too much of a stud to bench, but the rest of the Chief passing game should definitely sit this one out for you. Priest could receive 20+ touches this week, but the Colts should be keying on him and forcing Croyle to beat them. Those touches would make him a decent flex play if you don't have better options.
Look for the Colts to carve up the relatively weak Chief pass D. It is unknown if Marvin Harrison will take the field before the playoffs, possibly the 2012 playoffs, but Wayne should have a very nice performance. Look for Addai to enjoy another nice day as well. Roll with the Colt D and enjoy the numerous rookie mistakes from Croyle.

Giants @ Lions - Dome
Giant Offense - Receiving: 206.7 (23), Rushing: 134.2 (6)
Lion Defense - Receiving: 276.3 (30), Rushing: 98 (8)

Lion Offense - Receiving: 271.6 (6), Rushing: 82.7 (29)
Giant Defense - Receiving: 22.4 (14), Rushing: 98.7 (9)

START: Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, Jon Kitna, Roy Williams
CONSIDER: Kevin Jones, Calvin Johnson (check), Mike Furrey, Shaun McDonald
BENCH: Amani Toomer, Giant Defense, T.J. Duckett, Lion Defense

The Giants should be able to pass up and down the field here. Shockey looked great in Week 10 and there's no reason to believe that he won't carry the momentum over. Plax has fallen off a cliff lately, the bad wheel is likely bothering him quite a bit...still, this is a great match up for him. The Lions are tough against the run, still, Jacobs has been too hot to bench. He's a force in the red zone.
The Lions are a completely different team at home than they are on the road. Their Week 10 performance in Arizona was pathetic. They set a record for rushing futility. Despite his not being on the injury report, Kevin Jones' injured foot is giving him a lot of trouble, so it's quite possible that the Lions go back to their early season pass-happy ways, or give Jones plenty of rest before the Thanksgiving Day battle with the Packers. Calvin Johnson is having back issues again and could be limited. Look for Kitna to be slinging it, in what should be a high scoring affair.

Panthers @ Packers
Panther Offense - Receiving: 187.1 (27), Rushing: 119 (12)
Packer Defense - Receiving: 230.7 (18), Rushing: 92.9 (7)

Packer Offense - Receiving: 308.2 (1), Rushing: 77.4 (32)
Panther Defense - Receiving: 215.3 (11), Rushing: 113.2 (18)

START: Brett Favre, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Donald Lee, Packer Defense
CONSIDER: Steve Smith (check), Ryan Grant
BENCH: Vinny Testaverde, DeShaun Foster, DeAngelo Williams, Panther Defense, James Jones, Koren Robinson

98-year-old Vinny Testaverde will be the starting QB for the Panthers for the remainder of the season, assuming that he can remain healthy. Sadly, this is good news for Steve Smith, who is really nothing more than a WR3 these days. Smith is also dealing with some sort of shin injury. Look for the tough Pack rush D to shut down Foster and Williams.
Brett Favre continues to light up the passing totals. Greg Jennings has been the primary beneficiary, much to the chagrin of Donald Driver owners. Still, with so much passing to go around, Driver must remain active for your team. Keep the Packer D active against a struggling offense here.

Raiders @ Vikings - Dome
Raider Offense - Receiving: 175.2 (29), Rushing: 136.3 (5)
Viking Defense - Receiving: 299.8 (32), Rushing: 75.9 (3)

Viking Offense - Receiving: 167.3 (31), Rushing: 172.3 (1)
Raider Defense - Receiving: 195.4 (5), Rushing: 144.2 (29)

START: Raider Defense, Chester Taylor, Viking Defense
CONSIDER: Nobody
BENCH: Daunte Culpepper, JaMarcus Russell, Josh McCown, Justin Fargas, Ronald Curry, Tarvaris Jackson, Adrian Peterson (out)

A real stinker.
Daunte Culpepper returns to the helm. He was so good last time he was a starter that there are rumor that JaMarcus Russell could see time on specially designed plays. But, it's possible that McCown could be the backup QB. Either way, the Raiders are too inept to exploit even the Vikings' craptacular pass defense. The solid Viking rush D should greatly limit Fargas. Start the Raider D, and that's it.
The equally craptacular Tarvaris Jackson returns to the helm this week. Happy days are here again. OK, maybe not. Look for a hefty dosage of Chester Taylor against the weak Raider rush D. If you own him, now is the time to use him. Also start the Viking D in what should be an extremely low-scoring and excruciatingly boring game.

Cardinals @ Bengals
Cardinal Offense - Receiving: 235.9 (14), Rushing: 90.9 (24)
Bengal Defense - Receiving: 257.2 (27), Rushing: 135 (27)

Bengal Offense - Receiving: 273.8 (4), Rushing: 86.3 (28)
Cardinal Defense - Receiving: 220.8 (13), Rushing: 100.3 (13)

START: Kurt Warner, Edgerrin James, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Carson Palmer, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Henry
CONSIDER: Chad Johnson (check), Rudi Johnson
BENCH: Kenny Watson

In contrast, this game should be a shoot out.
The Bengals are horrible defensively. Absolutely terrible. Unleash all of your Cardinals that are worth owning. If Anquan Boldin can't put together a big game here, it's time to panic.
The Cardinals' rush D ranking is bloated due to their performance against the Lions in Week 11. Still, you don't really want Rudi or Kenny starting for you. Chad Johnson is downgraded this week due to missing practice on Thursday and Friday...skin issue? Still, he makes an attractive flex play, as he is expected to start. Chris Henry looked great in his first game back, assuming that he can stay out of jail until Sunday, get him active.

4:00pm EST Games

Steelers @ Jets
Steeler Offense - Receiving: 226 (17), Rushing: 151.4 (2)
Jet Defense - Receiving: 234.3 (22), Rushing: 152.2 (32)

Jet Offense - Receiving: 211.7 (21), Rushing: 94.6 (22)
Steeler Defense - Receiving: 176.4 (2), Rushing: 72 (1)

START: Ben Roethlisberger, Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Heath Miller, Steeler Defense
CONSIDER: Nobody
BENCH: Najeh Davenport, Nate Washington, Anyone affiliated with the Jets

Ben Roethlisberger has been slicing up the competition lately...huge TD numbers without huge passing yardage, which is fine. My gut tells me that this is finally Fast Willie's week, though. He's facing the NFL's worst rush defense and with Dookie getting stuffed in Week 10, it should be his time. That said, don't expect Benny Roeth to just disappear...the Jet pass defense isn't much better than their rush D. Also trot out the Steeler D, since the Jets are also bad offensively. Offensively offensive.
The Jets are a terrible team taking on an awesome defense. Leave them all on your bench. That is all you need to know.

Bears @ Seahawks
Bear Offense - Receiving: 238.9 (12), Rushing: 78.8 (30)
Seahawk Defense - Receiving: 237.1 (23), Rushing: 99.4 (10)

Seahawk Offense - Receiving: 256.3 (9), Rushing: 95.4 (21)
Bear Defense - Receiving: 230.3 (17), Rushing: 128.2 (26)

START: Matt Hasselbeck, D.J. Hackett, Seahawk Defense
CONSIDER: Bernard Berrian, Maurice Morris, Deion Branch (check), Bobby Engram
BENCH: Rex Grossman, Cedric Benson, Adrian Peterson, Muhsin Muhammad, Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen, Bear Defense, Shaun Alexander (check), Maurice Morris, Nate Burleson

Remember when Shaun Alexander went in the first round and the Bear D was one of the first off the board? Funny times.
Interceptus Rex once again graces us with his presence. Surprisingly enough, this is good news for Bernard Berrian...and DB's across the nation. Cedric Benson is leading the NFL! In dropped passes, which is extra impressive, considering that he is pulled on passing downs. The guy is a disaster. Also look for the Bear D to flounder its way through another game.
Shaun Alexander is expected to sit this one out, which really means nothing this season. Look for the Seahawks to be chucking it. Deion Branch is questionable again, it may be best to play it safe and bench him. If he's out then bump up Bobby Engram with D.J. Hackett to have nice games. Engram remains among the league's most underappreciated possession receivers. Start the Seahawk D and enjoy Rex tossing up a few sexy INTs.

Rams @ 49ers
Ram Offense - Receiving: 235 (15), Rushing: 87.8 (26)
49er Defense - Receiving: 224.8 (16), Rushing: 124.9 (25)

49er Offense - Receiving: 153 (32), Rushing: 90.1 (25)
Ram Defense - Receiving: 22.7 (15), Rushing: 120.2 (22)

START: Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, Torry Holt, Frank Gore
CONSIDER: Isaac Bruce, Ram Defense
BENCH: Randy McMichael, Trent Dilfer, Darrell Jackson, Arnaz Battle, Vernon Davis

The Rams should once again dust off their offense and look pretty in this one. When they're healthy, they can still put up points. Steven Jackson has successfully made it an entire week injury-free. He should put up nice numbers. Bulger should party like it's 2006 in this one, and look for Big Game to finally have one as well. Should you really consider the Ram defense? Sure, they're going against Dilfer. There's Pop Warner teams with better offenses than the Niners.
It's hard to imagine Dilfer really dragging the Niners down any more than Alex Smith, but who knows, maybe he'll prove us wrong again. Give Frank Gore one last shot here, the Rams are bad against the run and Gore seems genuinely annoyed at his massive quantity of suckage thus far. The rest of the 49ers? No thanks. Not even against the Rams' swiss cheese.

Redskins @ Cowboys
Redskin Offense - Receiving: 192.8 (26), Rushing: 132.1 (8)
Cowboy Defense - Receiving: 231.1 (20), Rushing: 86.8 (5)

Cowboy Offense - Receiving: 283.9 (3), Rushing: 122.6 (10)
Redskin Defense - Receiving: 231 (19), Rushing: 99.9 (11)

START: Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten
CONSIDER: Marion Barber, Cowboy Defense
BENCH: Jason Campbell, Ladell Betts, Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El, Redskin Defense, Julius Jones, Patrick Crayton

The Redskins really haven't been the same since they got humiliated by the Patriots. Still, Clinton Portis has 66 carries the past 2 weeks, not counting receptions. He should break down soon, but until then, he must be active. In the least exciting NFL news since it was announced that Trent Dilfer and Rex Grossman were once again starting NFL QBs, Santana Moss has declared himself good to go. Even against the pedestrian Cowboy pass D, you should be able to do better.
Terrell Owens has gone insane the past 3 weeks...and not in the way you expect TO to go insane. He has 100+ and at least one TD in all of those games. The Skins will likely be without Sean Taylor, so that only boosts TO's value further. Why does Julius Jones continue to get more work than Marion Barber? Nobody knows. Wade Phillips works in mysterious, ways. Perhaps ill-advised ways when it comes to the ground game. Maybe he likes Romo being forced to pass, who knows.

Sunday Night Football

Patriots @ Bills
Patriot Offense - Receiving: 303.2 (2), Rushing: 132.3 (7)
Bill Defense - Receiving: 247 (25), Rushing: 118.4 (20)

Bill Offense - Receiving: 179.8 (28), Rushing: 104.6 (17)
Patriot Defense - Receiving: 206.7 (7), Rushing: 90.6 (6)

START: Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker (check), Donte Stallworth, Patriot Defense
CONSIDER: Laurence Maroney
BENCH: Kevin Faulk, Ben Watson, J.P. Losman, Marshawn Lynch (out), Anthony Thomas, Lee Evans

The last time we saw the Bills on national TV, they nearly shocked the Cowboys.
This time, the Bills are without their star, Marshawn Lynch could miss multiple weeks. Enter Anthony Thomas. You shouldn't even consider him. Lee Evans should be smothered in this one, considering that the Bills have no other weapons. There won't be a shocker here, this should be a white-washing.
Look for Tom Brady to be shamelessly padding his stats and throwing 3 yard TD passes despite a 40+ point lead with 10 minutes left in the 4th quarter. Wes Welker is listed as "questionable" with a mystery ailment. Bill Belichick is so sly. Somehow the Patriots have managed the NFL's 7th best rushing attack despite the lack of a single reliable fantasy rusher. Ben Watson should be back to full-speed this week, but you should have a more consistent option. The rest of the Pats' WR corps should find themselves open deep early and often against a mediocre defense.

Monday Night Football

Titans @ Broncos
Titan Offense - Receiving: 171 (30), Rushing: 139.8 (4)
Bronco Defense - Receiving: 211.7 (9), Rushing: 151 (31)

Bronco Offense - Receiving: 238.2 (13), Rushing: 117.8 (13)
Titan Defense - Receiving: 206 (6), Rushing: 139.8 (4)

START: LenDale White, Titan Defense
CONSIDER: Brandon Marshall, Bronco Defense
BENCH: Vince Young, Roydell Williams, Jay Cutler, Travis Henry, Selvin Young, Brandon Stokley, Tony Scheffler

Don't look for Vince Young to suddenly bust out a big passing day here. Despite his disappearing act in Week 10, you've got to ride the Whale here. Look for LenDale White to run like he's going to Krispy Kreme against the terrible Bronco rush D. The solid Titan D should give the Broncos fits. Of course, they also shouldn't have got lit against the Jags last week, but that was last week.
The disappointing Bronco offense should get a shot in the ass next week when it's possible that Javon Walker returns, but that's next week. Travis Henry is expected to be active in what is likely his last game before his one-year suspension begins, despite his noble efforts to appeal and continue receiving that paycheck to support those 9 kids. This RBBC will hurt both Henry and Selvin's values. Brandon Marshall could beat someone deep, but probably not.

Check back Sunday for the Major Game Day Inactives.
And...