Week 11: Deep League Start 'em

As we approach week 11 of the NFL regular season, teams are jockeying for position as the playoffs inch closer and the trade deadline has passed, making the free agent wire more important than ever. Here is a set of eight players that could have a positive impact on your fantasy team if you are in a deep league and in need of a quality start.

QB Trent Edwards, BUF

Trent Edwards has had problems staying on the field this season, and the Buffalo Bills have had problems moving the ball this season; this week's game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars could be one of the highest scoring outputs of the season. With head coach Dick Jauron recently getting fired (and keeping in mind the Bills are a desperate team), the offense could really open up this Sunday. MJD and the Jags have been playing well recently, especially at home. With the Bills having the worst run defense in the league, the Jaguars' offense probably won't possess the ball for very long if they give MJD the ball 20+ times. Expect 250 yards and 2 TD's from Edwards this week in a high-scoring game.

QB Josh Freeman, TB

Believe it or not, there is a rookie QB not named Stafford or Sanchez that I recommend considering this week; his name is Josh Freeman and he is the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Freeman shined in his first start against the Green Bay Packers and led the Bucs to their first win of the season, 38-28. The Kansas State product completed 14-31 passes for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed 4 times for 20 yards. This week, Freeman will be facing a vulnerable New Orleans Saints defense, who surrendered 23 points to an anemic at best St. Louis Rams offense during week 10. With a good 1-2 running combo in Cadillac Williams and Derrick Ward, a healthy WR Antonio Bryant (or an up-and-coming Stroughter) and TE Kellen Winslow down the middle, Freeman should have no problems tossing another 2 TD scores.

RB Jamal Lewis, CLE

The Browns have been horrible this season, but this may be their chance to score 20+ points. The Detroit Lions have proven they cannot stop anybody, and RB Jamal Lewis may be another beneficiary of seeing the Lions defense. Lewis has failed to reach the end-zone this season as the Browns rank dead-last in the league in total offense, averaging a mere 8.7 points per game and 214.3 yards per game. Look for the Browns to score two or three offensive touchdowns, with Lewis being one of them; 100 yards to compliment seems about right.

RB Bernard Scott, CIN

Who is Bernard Scott? Entering the season, Scott was not on anybody's draft board. Almost all fantasy researchers who knew Scott believed he would never see the field. Low and behold, come week 11 he could be starting for one of the best team's in the AFC. Scott and the Cincinnati Bengals travel to play the lowly Oakland Raiders. RB Cedric Benson is a game-time decision and probably will not play due to the lack of talent on the other side of the ball. The Bengals simply do not need Benson this week. I am willing to bet that they let Scott run free and see what the rookie is capable of. If Benson is indeed out, expect Scott to get 20+ carries, 100 all-purpose yards and a legitimate chance of scoring a touchdown.

WR Malcom Floyd, SD

The San Diego Chargers released veteran WR Chris Chambers last week, opening the door for up-and-coming WR Malcom Floyd. Floyd is listed at 6-5, 220 pounds and gives QB Phillip Rivers another lengthy target who can make plays down the field. Last week against the Eagles, Floyd caught just 3 receptions for 45 yards, but has seen his playing time increase each week. With Chambers out of the way, Floyd should have plenty of opportunities to produce. Look for Floyd and Rivers to form some kind of connection (especially in the red-zone when opposing defense are keying on TE Antonio Gates, WR Vincent Jackson and the running game). Floyd faces a tough Denver Broncos secondary Week 11, but if the game can stay competitive Floyd should be in the 5-6 catch ballpark with a great chance of scoring a touchdown.