Week 11: Sleepers of the Week
If one of your normal starters is injured or facing a tough match-up, here are some players you might consider starting in their place. While these players may not be every week starters, they are good bets to perform well this week. Most of the players that will be listed are on fantasy rosters, but not normally starters.
QB Sam Bradford, ---
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Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams return home to take on the New York Jets in week 11. Bradford is coming off an excellent game against the San Francisco 49ers in which he threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, with no turnovers. The Rams' best wide receiver, Danny Amendola, returned in week ten after a multi-week absence, and Bradford was the main beneficiary. The former Oklahoma quarterback is a much better quarterback when he has Amendola to lean on, and as long as he is healthy Bradford will be worth owning in fantasy leagues. With a few starting caliber fantasy quarterbacks going down with injuries in week ten, Bradford is a player who can be picked up off waivers (or taken off fantasy benches) and put in a starting role this week. Fantasy owners can expect at least 225 passing yards and one touchdown from the young quarterback this week.
QB Nick Foles, ---
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Nick Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Washington to take on the Redskins in week 11. The rookie quarterback is in line to get his first career start this week, with Michael Vick dealing with a significant concussion. Foles is likely to struggle at first, especially behind an Eagles offensive line that has had Michael Vick on the run all season long. The positive for Foles is that he has the weapons to succeed around him, and is facing one of the league's worst secondaries in week 11. The Redskins have allowed more than 300 passing yards per game this season -- 30th in the league. Foles can be expected to turn the ball over a time or two this week, but he should be able to overcome these turnovers for a good fantasy day. If Foles is given any time to throw this week, he could put up decent numbers as a QB 2 or desperation play in the deeper leagues. Fantasy owners can pick up Nick Foles and can expect at least 200 passing yards and one touchdown from the rookie.
RB James Starks, ---
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James Starks and the Green Bay Packers travel to Detroit to face the Lions in week 11. The Packers are ready to give Starks more responsibility in the backfield following their bye week, meaning that he should probably be picked up in fantasy leagues where he is currently unowned. Starks had his biggest workload of the season in the Packers' last game, rushing 17 times for 61 yards in a win over the Arizona Cardinals. Starks is currently owned in just under 45 percent of fantasy leagues, and while he is not a good bet to put up starting caliber fantasy numbers for the rest of the season, he should be able to justify being a Flex option this week. Fantasy owners can start James Starks this week and can expect 75 yards and a touchdown.
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, ---
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La'Rod Stephens-Howling and the Arizona Cardinals travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in week 11. Stephens-Howling has taken over as the Cardinals' starting running back following injuries to Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, and should be able to take advantage of his lead role this week against a Falcons defense that is allowing nearly 130 rushing yards per game this season -- 24th in the league. The Falcons allowed 149 rushing yards to the Saints in week ten, and the Cardinals should find similar success this week. The fourth year running back has averaged 16 touches per game over the past four games, and if he continues to be used in this role, should continue to act as a solid Flex option in fantasy leagues. Fantasy owners can start La'Rod Stephens-Howling this week and can expect at least 75 total yards and a touchdown.
RB Daniel Thomas, ---
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Daniel Thomas and the Miami Dolphins travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills in week 11. Thomas has been sprinkled in the Dolphins offense to varying degrees this season; sometimes touching the ball close to 15 times, and sometimes not getting much playing time at all. Thomas touched the ball ten times in week ten, and with Reggie Bush possibly being in the doghouse following a fumble last week, this could be the week that Thomas is worth using in fantasy leagues. The matchup is a good one this week, with the Bills rush defense ranking 31st in the league and giving up an average of 164 rush yards per game on the season. The second year running back is still available in 35 percent of fantasy leagues. With Reggie Bush being a free agent after the season, the Dolphins could turn to Thomas to see if they have a reliable running back for the coming years, making him a good add in leagues where he is still available. Fantasy owners can start Daniel Thomas this week and can expect 75 totsl yards and a touchdown.
WR Donnie Avery, ---
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Donnie Avery and the Indianapolis Colts travel to New England to face the Patriots in week 11. Avery has been hot and cold this season, not having found the endzone since week one, but has caught nine passes for 173 yards over the last two games. This week's game against the Patriots should be a high scoring affair with lots of passing, making Avery a sneaky play as a WR 3 or Flex play in fantasy leagues. The Patriots are likely to be able to put up points on the Colts defense, and with New England currently giving up 285 passing yards per game (29th in the league), the Colts' passing game is going to have to try to keep up with the Patriots offense. While Reggie Wayne will be the focal point of the Colts passing game, Avery should get enough looks to be worth starting in fantasy leagues. Fantasy owners can start Donnie Avery this week and can expect 80 yards and a touchdown.
WR Donald Jones, ---
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Donald Jones and the Buffalo Bills take on the Miami Dolphins at home in week 11. Jones has emerged as a good fantasy option over the past three games, catching 16 balls for 186 yards and two touchdowns, and should be able to continue his excellent play this week against a struggling Miami Dolphins secondary. Miami's best cornerback, Sean Smith, is likely to be matched up with Stevie Johnson, leaving Jones available to abuse the lesser players in the Dolphins secondary. Jones should be added in all leagues where he is currently available, and will make a strong start as a WR 3 this week. Fantasy owners can start Donald Jones this week and can expect at least five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown from the young wide receiver.