By Jacob Posik
Start ‘em
Even though the Atlanta Falcons are having a rough season, quarterback Matt Ryan should be back to his regular form this week against the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers have been more competitive recently, but the Falcons should pick up a much-needed win this week. Ryan is finally feeling the pressure for his poor performance thus far in the season, and I expect him to respond in a big way. Look for Ryan to target wideout Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez early and often through the air. If Atlanta can balance their attack with the ground game, play action pass sets could get Atlanta receivers open for Ryan to capitalize.
For those who fear the Kansas City defense, watch for running back Knowshon Moreno to have a big output in Week 11. His performance in Denver’s balanced offensive attack will be crucial for the Broncos to defeat the unbeaten Chiefs.
In my opinion, the Chiefs are the biggest fluke in the NFL. Their defense has proved formidable, but their strength of schedule is atrocious. Being 9-0 isn’t very impressive when the best team you’ve faced is the 5-4 Dallas Cowboys. Peyton Manning will be able to pick apart Kansas City through the air, and Moreno will pound it in between the tackles, handing the Chiefs their first loss of the season.
Sit ‘em
New York Giants wideout Victor Cruz will perform about as well as his team will in Week 11: not well.
Facing the Green Bay Packers, Cruz won’t make an impact because Giants quarterback Eli Manning won’t make an impact. The Packers’ defensive players and schemes will be too much for the Giants’ weak offensive line. Manning will be forced to rush his throws and will be hurried in the pocket. Look for him to be sacked and knocked down a handful of times.
With Manning disabled, Cruz should be shut down as well. Cruz put up big numbers in Week 1 and Week 4, but has been fairly unproductive since. I don’t see his luck turning around against Green Bay.
Cleveland tight end James Cameron should be sat in Week 11 as well. Even though the Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals the first time they faced each other in Week 4, a game in which Cameron recorded 91 receiving yards and a touchdown reception, I think Cincinnati has figured things out and won’t let a key division game get away from them.
Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is still poised in the pocket, and the offense has been utilizing the talents of rookie running back Giovani Bernard, making for much more explosive offensive numbers. Their defense has tightened up as of late as well. It will be of the utmost importance for the Bengals defense to limit Cameron’s touches and key on him in the red zone, and I think they get it done.
Sleeper Pick
In a losing effort to New England last week, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery managed to score 27.6 points. Owned by only 7 percent of players in NFL.com fantasy leagues, Cotchery could be big down the stretch for the Steelers. He’s proven to be a reliable target for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and with defenses keying on the speedy Emmanuel Sanders, Cotchery has been open for big gains through the air. He’s also proved to be a red zone threat, catching three touchdowns against the Patriots. Add him to your roster and see how he performs before giving him a start.