Week 11: Sit 'Em

Sit'em articles can vary widely across fantasy websites. Some weeks you might see consistency among experts and other weeks you might not find one match between articles. Sit'em picks are focused on selecting usually solid players that are not worth starting in any given week. Circumstances might include match-up, injury watch, RBBC approach, passing vs. rushing focus, past performance, etc.

Sit'ems include some tough calls. We all have doubts each week and have to consider our options. It is a difficult decision to sit your stud or solid player, but occaisonally you must in order to win that match-up.

Up this week, a slew of backs, a QB, a TE and a wide out.

QB Jay Cutler, ---

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Jay Cutler sustained a concussion on one of his scramble plays in Week 10. This would not normally be alarming early in the week, but with Cutler, he has been concussed six times. This mean that his time off the field could be considerable if he does not pass his baseline tests. The team medical staff has a history to consider and past data for comparison. If Cutler is not 100%, he will likely not play this week. If he is up for the task and the extra day helps, I would still conisder sitting Cutler this week vs. San Francisco's defense at home. San Fran will be looking to bounce back from their lackluster outing vs. St. Louis last week. I think Cutler will be held out this week, but I could be wrong. Expect 180 passing yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs with minimal Jay Culter fashion rushing yards.

RB Reggie Bush, ---

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Bush lost his second fumble in three weeks and was pulled in the first half against Tennessee. Daniel Thomas does not look too bad and if Bush's punishment lasts longer than one game, Thomas could be the beneficiary. If you own him in a PPR format, he might be worth a look. Bush's solid performances have been sporadic this season. Most owners are frustrated with Bush. I have a feeling we will see Thomas start this next game vs. Buffalo and if he plays well, Bush will play second back. I project more downs and touches for Thomas. Bush will see his share of 8-10 carries for 50-60 yards with a couple of short yardage receptions.

RB Isaac Redman, ---

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Redman started vs. Kansas City, but fumbled. Dwyer then took over and led what was left of the Pittsburgh rushing attack. Many thought Redman would be a huge fantasy play this past week after torching New York in Week 9. Many were surprised when he failed to produce. This week Redman will still be in the mix with other backs still out due to injury. It appears that Mendenhall could play in Week 11. Look for Redman to back-up whomever is healthy enough to lead this rushing game. If Mendenhall is back then Redman might be third in the equation. Pittsburgh's running philosophy hinders backs, but if they are involved in the passing game they can be useful. Redman's back-up role this week is not worth much. He should see 5-6 carries for around 25 yards and likely snag two receptions.

RB Daryl Richardson, ---

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Richardson appeared to be in a time share with Steven Jackson and then his production started to decline and has fallen over each of the last four games. I have had Richardson stashed away on my bench waiting for the time to play him. That time has not come this season. This guy has the speed and the toughness to gain some major yardage in the NFL. The one upside for Richardsom is that he is playing a role in the passing game. However, it was Jackson who had a huge game vs. San Francisco - kind of a surprise. Richardson is a guy that could be very useful if Jackson is not performing or gets injured. At this stage, it looks like he will be playing second fiddle. Jackson received 29 carries to Richardson's seven this past week. Look for 7-8 carries for 35-45 yards and two receptions this week. I would start Jackson this week vs. New York.

RB DeAngelo Williams, ---

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Well, the trade deadline came and went and Williams remained in Carolina. Personally, I think Williams could have been a great trade this season. I like to see backs rejuvenate their career with a team change later in their playing days. Unfortunatley, with no trade, Williams has been caught up in the running back saga. The running game focus has shifted from Williams to a combination of Williams & Stewart and then came reports that Stewart is the lead. Williams and Stewart are both risky plays if you ask me. The Carolina running game also includes Cam Newton. The number of touches available to Williams and Stewart are not tremendous with the current offensive schemes. If running lanes can get opened by using an effective passing game then these guys might have a shot, but otherwise the rushing attack is not progressing well. Look for Williams to rush for 20 yards maximum and maybe get a pass out of the backfield for some short to mid-range yardage.

WR Josh Gordon, ---

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Gordon had three big weeks in 5, 6 and 7. Then he settled down and his fantasy owners are worried. The double digit points from Gordon were excellent. The four and five point games are tough to swallow. This week Gordon and his fellow wide outs take on a Dallas defense that can play the game well. I am hoping to see Gordon's game turnaround soon, but his weeks 11 and 12 are tough - Dallas then Pittsburgh. I think the best we can hope for out of him for these next two games is slight improvement from weeks 8 and 9 and then maybe another big game looming in the future. Look for 3-4 receptions for 30-40 yards, but no score.

TE Vernon Davis, ---

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Alex Smith is likely out with a concussion this week and Davis' production has been extremely low five of the last six weeks. In the tie last week vs. St. Louis, Davis grabbed four passes for a mere 30 yards. If you have Davis in a non-PPR format that is poor performance and if you have him in a PPR, it is not much better. The concern with Davis is yardage and of course his red zone and end zone targets. In terms of yardage, Davis has been limited to less than 40 yards in his last few outings.

Whether Smith starts or if it's Colin Kaepernick this Monday, I still worry about Davis' fantasy value from week to week. The offense needs a bit of an overhaul with a shift toward adjusted schemes and patterns for Davis to resurge as a key member of this passing game. This week Davis is a tough start vs. a solid Chicago defense. I am thinking 35 yards from 3-4 receptions.