brought with it an end to the dreaded bye week. And, while many owners think that means their job just got easier, they're dead wrong. Sure, you might be saved from having to find that plug and play, but now, each and every line-up spot will have more bodies that can occupy it. Decisions won't get easier, they'll be tougher, especially when you consider the importance riding on each and every game here on out. To make those choices easier for you, the
Key Abbreviations: YPC (Yards Per Carry), YPG (Yards Per Game)
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1. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. St. Louis
Sure, the Rams held Gore to just 6 fantasy points in their last meeting last year, but prior to that, Gore had burned St. Louis for 17, 22, and 20 fantasy points. Gore should be in for a big day in week 11 as the Rams' defense has really regressed when it comes to defending the run. Last season, the Rams allowed just 115.2 rush yards per game and only 16 rushing TDs on the season. This season, they are allowing 161 yards on the ground per game and have already allowed opposing runners to reach the endzone 15 times.
Point Projection: 22 points
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2. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Denver
For the first time this season, Turner was able to put up back to back double digit fantasy performances, going for 13 points in week 9 against the Raiders and 15 in week 10 against the Saints. The common thread in those two games, the fact that each of Turner's opponents ranked 18th or lower against the run. With the Broncos, who rank 27th against the run, on the slate for week 11, Turner should make it back to back to back double digit outings.
Point Projection: 21 points
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3. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Cincinnati
After a monstrous return from injury against Atlanta in week 8 in which he went for 32 fantasy points, Westbrook has been kept in check the last two weeks, totaling just a combined 14 fantasy points. Westbrook should get back on track in week 11 as the Eagles head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals, who are allowing 331.8 total yards per game and 26.2 points per game.
Point Projection: 18 points
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4. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) @ Green Bay
Each and every week, it seems Forte does something else to impress us. In week 10, the rookie managed a strong 18 fantasy points against the 5th ranked Tennessee Titans' rush defense. Granted, not all of it came on the ground as Forte rushed for just 72 yards, but the fact that he was able to add 11 fantasy points as a receiver with 54 receiving yards and a TD on the day, speaks volumes to the back's skills. Look for Forte to get double digit points again in week 11, this time in the more traditional way as he'll face a Packers' defense that's giving up 154.6 yards per game on the ground.
Point Projection: 18 points
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5. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) vs. Cleveland
Lynch has had a tough go of things in recent weeks. Against the formidable rush defenses of division foes, the New York Jets and New England Patriots, Lynch managed to put up just 10 combined fantasy points. A match-up with a non-division opponent could be just what Lynch needs, especially when that opponent is the Cleveland Browns, who rank 26th against the run. Look for Lynch to rebound nicely in this one, surpassing the 10 total points he's put up the last two weeks.
Point Projection: 16 points
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6. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) vs. Detroit
It was widely believed that by this point in the season, rookie, Jonathan Stewart, would supplant DeAngelo Williams as the Panthers' go-to-guy, but apparently, someone forgot to tell Williams this. Williams is running like a man on a mission of late, averaging 16.6 points over the Panthers' last 5 games, a nearly 12 point increase over the 4.75 points he averaged during the team's first 4 games. The good times will keep rolling in week 11 against the 31st ranked rush defense of the Lions.
Point Projection: 15 points
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7. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ Jacksonville
The Bears made a conscious effort to shut down the Titans' running game last Sunday, often stacking the box with 8 and 9 man fronts. This strategy led to a combined 22 rushing yards for the Titans' terrible twosome, but it didn't lead to the team's first defeat as the Titans improved to 9-0. With the Bears strategy not changing the final outcome of the game, it will be interesting to see if other teams adhere to it or not. Even if the Jags do in week 11, Johnson will easily surpass the one point he managed in week 10 as the Jags don't boast nearly as tough a run defense as the Bears do.
Point Projection: 15 points
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8. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ Tampa Bay
Peterson delivered big in week 10, not only for his fantasy owners, racking up 28 fantasy points, but also for the Vikings, leading them to a crucial win over the division rival Packers with a 29 yard TD run. Peterson will have a tougher go of things this week against the Bucs, who have given up just 1 rushing TD on the year and less than 100 rushing yards per game, but are you really going to sit a guy who has at least 120 rushing yards and a TD in each of the last 3 games?
Point Projection: 15 points
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9. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys) @ Washington
Without Tony Romo under center, the Dallas offense has struggled as a whole, evidenced by the fact that the team hasn't put up more than 14 points in any of their last 3 games. That lack of production has hurt Barber's fantasy value. Once in the debate for the best running back of 2008, Barber has seen his stock slip with two straight sub-10 point outings. The good news is that Romo is expected to be back in week 11. If that's the case, look for Barber to get back on track. Yes, we know he had just 3 fantasy points against the Redskins earlier this season, but we guarantee he gets more than the 8 carries he got in that game.
Point Projection: 15 points
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10. Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) @ Kansas City **Check Status**
Head coach, Sean Payton, is optimistic about Bush returning this Sunday; however, the running back's status is still up in the air. The Saints, though, are in a fight for their playoff lives, so if Bush can get out on the field, don't expect them to take it easy with the back and rest him one more week. Bush would make for an excellent play if he does return as he'll match-up with the Chiefs, a defense that has given up over 175 rush yards per game and 14 rushing TDs on the season.
Point Projection: 15 points
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11. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ San Francisco ***Check Status***
Once again, you're going to have to play the waiting game with Jackson as the Rams' back is day-to-day. if Jackson suits up, look for the back to post solid numbers in this return as the 49ers are allowing over 100 yards and a score to opposing running backs on the year.
Point Projection: 15 points
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12 Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) vs. Dallas **Doubtful**
200 rushing attempts in 9 straight weeks will take a toll on you, and that's the case with Portis as the Redskins' back has just a 15 percent shot of going on Sunday as he deals with a vareity of ailments. If Portis is able to go, he is an absolute must play as the back has gone for 12 or more points in each of the Redskins' last 8 games, including a 13 point effort against the Cowboys.
Point Projection: 15 points
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13. Thomas Jones (New York Jets) @ New England
Jones did have one of his worst outings of the season back when these two teams met in week 2, going for just 70 yards on 17 carries; however, Jones was a different back back then. The veteran has appeared to get stronger as the year has worn on, running on rejuvenated legs to the tune of 5 straight double digit fantasy days. You have to continue to ride the hot hand, and with 8 TDs in the last 5 weeks, Jones is too hot for opposing defenses to handle.
Point Projection: 15 points
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14. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) vs. Oakland
The yardage hasn't quite been there for Brown of late as the running back has failed to reach the 60 yard rushing mark since his 125 yards in week 5 against the Chargers. However, thanks for his penchant when it comes to finding the endzone, Brown has still managed 3 double digit fantasy performances in the Dolphins' last 5 games. Start him with confidence against a Raiders team that has give up 13 rushing TDs on the year and is allowing 158.1 rushing yards per game.
Point Projection: 14 points
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15. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans) @ Indianapolis
A match-up with the Ravens appears to have been Steve Slaton's "welcome to the NFL" moment as the back managed just 7 yards on 4 carries, his worst performance by far of his rookie season. Luckily, the scheduling gods have blessed Slaton with a much better match-up in week 11 as the Texans' back will battle it out with the Colts and their sub-par 24th ranked rush defense.
Point Projection: 14 points
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16. Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns) @ Buffalo
The Browns are likely to continue to feed Lewis, who has 19 or more carries in 6 straight games, as they ease Quinn into the starting quarterback role. As he's averaging just 3.6 YPC, it's a good thing he is getting all those touches. He has scored in 4 of the team's last 6 games and should make it 5 of 7 as the Bills have allowed 11 rushing TDs on the year. Look for 80 yards and a score.
Point Projection: 14 points
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17. LenDale White (Tennessee Titans) @ Jacksonville
He was able to salvage his fantasy day last week despite just 14 rushing yards by finding paydirt, but is that really a surprise. After all, White already has 11 touchdowns on the year. His ability to tally the quick six makes him a solid RB2 play each and every week.
Point Projection: 13 points
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18. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) @ Pittsburgh
His 78 yards against the Chiefs is ugly, but what's even uglier is the fact that he managed just 3.5 YPC against a team that's giving up 5.2 YPC. The dominant days of LT seem a distant memory, and we're not going to see a vintage 20 point outing here against the 2nd best rush defense in the league. Be happy if LT gets 70 and score. Point Projection: 13 points
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19. Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. San Diego
Reports surfaced last week that Willie Parker had suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder; Parker has denied the rumor and has stated that he could be ready to go in week 11 against the Chargers. That would be music to his owners' ears as Parker has averaged over 80 yards and a score for the 4 games he's played in.
Point Projection: 12 points
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20. Tim Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Seatte
The Hightower hype has died down as the Cardinals' back followed up his strong starting debut with just 4 fantasy points against the Niners. Hightower averaged a mere 1.7 yards per touch, racking up just 50 total yards on 19 touches, and you can bet that performance will lead to more opportunities for veteran Edgerrin James. Still, don't bail on Hightower just yet. In fact, he should be a strong RB2 option in week 11 as Arizona will face the 22nd rush defense of the Seahawks.
Point Projection: 12 points
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21. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Houston
We know things haven't been going the way his owners have envisioned as Addai has mustered just 8 fantasy points since returning from injury. However, the two 4 point outings came against two teams than rank in the top 12 against the rush. This week the match-up is a bit easier as Addai will take on the 23rd ranked rush defense of the Texans, a team he managed 71 rushing yards and a score against back in week 5.
Point Projection: 12 points
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22. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) vs. Chicago
Grant right now is facing the murderer's row of rush defenses. First, it was the 8th ranked Titans in week 9, followed by the Vikings and their 3rd ranked rush defense in week 10. Now, he's set to face the Chicago Bears and their 4th ranked rush defense. The good news is that Grant has handled things nicely, putting up 8 fantasy points on the Titans and 13 against the Vikes. He'll be somewhere in the middle this week against Da' Bears.
Point Projection: 11 points
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23. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) vs. Baltimore
The New York Giants, and Brandon Jacobs in particular, have been running over opposing defenses all season long. Jacobs is averaging an astounding 5.3 YPC and is coming off a game in which he averaged 5.7 YPC. This though will be his biggest test as the Ravens are allowing opponents just 2.9 YPC. Expect both sides to give a little with Jacobs putting an average fantasy day.
Point Projection: 11 points
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24. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) @ New York Giants
It didn't take long for McGahee to reclaim the number one spot in the Ravens' backfield. Following week 9 and Ray Rice's 154 yard effort, experts were discussing whether or not Baltimore would fade McGahee out of their game plan. Perhaps inspired by the talk, McGahee ran like a man on a mission, averaging 4.5 YPC on his way to a 112 yard and 2 TD outing.
Point Projection: 10 points
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25. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Tennessee
Is there a fantasy back that's been more Jekyll and Hyde than Jones-Drew. This past Sunday, MJD put up 27 fantasy points against the Detroit Lions, his third 20+ point fantasy outing of the year. The back also has 5 games of less than 10 fantasy points. This week against a tough Titans' rush defense, look for one of the latter. Point Projection: 9 points
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26. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. New Orleans
Patience is a virtue, something all of Larry Johnson's owners have learned as they've waited for the back to return to the field. It looks like that patience will pay off as the Chiefs back is likely to return for the team's match-up with the New Orleans Saints. While the Chiefs won't run as much as they did before Johnson's absence due to the development of quarterback Tyler Thigpen, the threat of a legit passing game should make LJ's life easier.
Point Projection: 9 points
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27. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) vs. Detroit
Like most rookies, Stewart is going through ups and downs while adjusting to the NFL game. This week looks to be one of the ups as the Panthers will go against the Detroit Lions and their 31st rush defense this weekend. Expect a game to similar to that of Fred Taylor against the Lions' last week, somewhere in the 80 yard realm. Point Projection: 9 points
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28. Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Minnesota **Check Status**
Gtaham's bowling ball stature is a big reason he's successful as a runner as opposing defenders' have a hard time bringing him down, but that stature is also hurting Graham's fantasy value this season as it makes him a prime candidate to serve as lead blocker during fullback B.J. Askew's absence. The Bucs backfield could be getting a bit more crowded this week as well with the expected return of Cadillac Williams. Graham is only recommended as a RB3 or flex play.
Point Projection: 9 points
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29. Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) vs. Carolina ***SLEEPER***
The Detroit Lions gave Smith his heaviest workload of the season this past week, handing the ball off to the rookie 23 times. Smith responded nicely, totaling 96 yards and a TD. With 4 double digit efforts in the Lions' last 6 games, Smith is playing himself into fantasy consideration along with wide out, Calvin Johnson, not an easy feat for a Lion. Still, we're cautious about using Smith against a Panthers' team that has allowed just 4 rushing TDs on the year.
Point Projection: 9 points
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30. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Philadelphia
As much as I hate to do it, some credit needs to be given to Benson for fully taking advantage of the second chance the Bengals have given him. Benson has run with a purpose and it's made him fantasy relevant once more. However, he's nothing more than an RB3 play this week going against an Eagles' rush defense that is allowing just 3.8 YPC, though that would be an improvement for Benson and his 3.7 YPC average.
Point Projection: 9 points
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31. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England Patriots) vs. New York Jets
Assuming Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan are once again sidelined, the running back duties seem to be all BenJarvus Green-Ellis'. The back received 26 carries in Sunday's match-up with the Bills, going for 105 yards and a TD. Don't expect a repeat performance, though, as the Jets, who are giving up just 76.4 rushing yards per game will prevent Green-Ellis from being anything more than a RB3 option in week 11.
Point Projection: 9 points
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32. Jerious Norwood (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Denver
Norwood is a tough one to crack as the back has four double digit outings, including last week's 15 point effort, to go with three 1 point outings on the year.If you need big points though from your RB3 or flex position this week, Norwood's not a bad gamble as the Falcons will take on a Broncos' defense that is allowing 27.9 points per game and 146.3 rushing yards per game.
Point Projection: 9 points
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33. Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Arizona
His 8 fantasy points in week 10 were the most he had since a 20 point week 3 effort, and it could get even better for Jones going forward as Matt Hasselbeck is set to return for the Seahawks. We'd at least wait one week though to see exactly how this offense runs with Hasselbeck under center as some rust is to be expected.
Point Projection: 8 points
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34. Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) vs. Oakland
Congratulations to Ricky Williams! Nope, not for his 105 rushing yards and TD in week 10, but for making it through 10 weeks of the football season and not being suspended for hitting the bong. Both Williams and Brown should have solid days against the Raiders in week 11. After all, the Raiders are allowing 158.1 rushing yards per game.
Point Projection: 8 points
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35. Peyton Hillis (Denver Broncos) @ Atlanta
With all the injuries to befall the Broncos' backfield, will Hillis be the latest no-name back to emerge from Denver as a fantasy threat? Stranger things have happened, but we're taking a wait and see approach with this one.
Point Projection: 8 points
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36. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints) @ Kansas City
The Deuce had a chance to go loose, but even with Reggie Bush out of the line-up, McAllister couldn't take advantage. In fact, this past Sunday, McAllister didn't even receive the most carries for the Saints, carrying the rock just 5 times to Pierre Thomas' 6. A TD saved Deuce's day in week 10, and we see a similar scenario developing against the Chiefs in week 11, especially with Reggie Bush expected to return.
Point Projection: 7 points
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37. Dominic Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Houston
He obviously doesn't hold the value he held when Addai was sidelined, but Rhodes' solid play during that time, has led to more touches for the Colts' back. In allowing 130.7 rushing yards per game and 14 rushing TDs on the year, the Texans provide the perfect match-up for Rhodes to put up solid points even as the team's back-up back.
Point Projection: 7 points
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38. Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. San Diego
With Parker set to return, Moore's fantasy stock takes a huge hit, but he won't disappear into oblivion. Expect to see Moore on the field in passing situations as he is a superior pass catcher to Parker. That's a good role to fill especially against the Chargers, who rank dead last against the pass.
Point Projection: 6 points
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39. Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) @ Washington **Check Status**
Not only does it look like the Cowboys will get Tony Romo back for week 11's match-up with the Redskins, but it appears that running back, Felix Jones, will also be active on Sunday. Jones has tremendous big play ability, but coming off a hamstring injury, it will be a bit tougher for the back to make those big plays.
Point Projection: 6 points
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40. Justin Fargas (Oakland Raiders) @ Miami
The Raiders' offense is averaging a paltry 12.6 points per game. When your team's not scoring, you're not going to have a chance to put up fantasy points. That's the situation surrounding Fargas, which is why we can't recommend the back, despite the healthy 89 yards he put up against the Panthers in week 10.
Point Projection: 6 points
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Taylor had his second best outing of the season last week. Sadly, that was a 9 point performance against a horrid Detroit Lions defense. That outing will remain his second best of the year as Taylor should find it difficult to get anything going against the Titans in week 11.
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42. Derrick Ward (New York Giants) vs. Baltimore
Like all the Giants backs, Ward is carrying the ball at better than a 5.0 YPC clip. That type of production per carry has allowed Ward to maintain fantasy relevance despite serving as Brandon Jacobs' back-up. Still, with back-up running backs, it's best to pick and choose your battles. This one against the Ravens is one we'd avoid.
Point Projection: 5 points
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43. Leon Washington (New York Jets) @ New England
Washington may get you fantasy points, but if he does, it'll be in the 1 to 7 point range, which is where he's been every week this season, except for a 21 point effort against the Chiefs in week 8. Against the Pats back in week 2, he totaled just 4.
Point Projection: 5 points
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44. Chester Taylor (Minnesota Vikings) @ Tampa Bay
I said it with Derrick Ward, and I'll say it again with Taylor. When it comes to a team's number two running back, you want to pick and choose your battles. The Bucs are a tough opponent, allowing just 1 rushing TD on the year. What do you think you should do?
Point Projection: 5 points
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45. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Cleveland **Check Status**
The Browns are giving up 145.2 yards on the ground per game and have allowed 10 rushing TDs on the year. If Jackson is able to shake a leg injury he suffered in last week's match-up with the Pats, he should be good for a solid 5 fantasy points.
Point Projection: 4 points
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46. Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals) @ Seattle
The good news is that he actually got some carries in week 10. The bad news is that it was a total of just two carries. James should see an expanded role due to Hightower's week 10 struggles, but it's hard to see him getting more than 6 or 8 touches.
Point Projection: 4 points
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47. Dantrell Savage (Kansas City Chiefs) vs New Orleans
An injured ankle suffered by Jamaal Charles opened the door for Savage in week 10, who ran for 44 yards on 12 carries. The return of Larry Johnson will all but shut that door in week 11.
Point Projection: 4 points
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48. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ New York Giants
So much for the honey moon. Ray Rice was an inferno last week, burning countless numbers of fantasy owners by following up his 17 point week 9 performance with a measley 1 fantasy point in week 10.
Point Projection: 4 points
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49. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Minnesota
Before the back issues, Dunn looked rejuvenated in 2008 going for 5 or more fantasy points for the first 7 weeks of the season. If he returns in week 11, 5 fantasy points against the 3rd ranked rush defense of the Vikings would exceed our expectations.
Point Projections: 4 points
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50. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) vs. Baltimore
See Derrick Ward!
Point Projection: 3 points