As we proceed toward the fantasy football playoffs, victories are as important as ever. You never want to lose, but especially not this time of year. Just about every game right now could have fantasy playoff impact. We all want to head into the playoffs with the best record possible so that we can get the best playoff position available.
As you prepare your starting line-up for Week 11, please enjoy the Bruno Boys Weekly Rundown (fantasy style) as we once again offer up-to-date player information. You don’t want to start someone who does not play, nor do you want to sit someone with fantasy potential.
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Clinton Portis listed as doubtful for Week 11 match-up against Cowboys
Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis only took “mental reps” in practice Friday and is listed as doubtful for the team’s match-up this week when their long time rivals the Dallas Cowboys come to town. He is likely a game time decision, but he is not expected to play this week so go with plan B.
It appears likely that Ladell Betts will start in Portis’ spot, but he is coming off a knee injury and would be a questionable start. Hopefully you have at least two backs better then Betts on your roster or you better hope that you get lucky on the waiver wire. Shawn Alexander will also see some time at running back this week, but he has minimal value.
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Reggie Bush ruled out for Week 11, will miss fourth straight game
New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush will be inactive for the teams match-up with the Kansas City Chiefs this week. He had been having a career year before being sidelined with this knee injury causing him to miss his fourth game in a row. There is a chance Bush will be ready to go Week 12.
Deuce McAllister will once again get the start for the Saints and is a flex option at best. He split carries with Pierre Thomas Week 10, but neither ran very well in limited rushing attempts. This team really needs Reggie Bush to return.
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Tony Romo returns from pinky injury, will play Week 11 versus Redskins
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo will return to the starting line-up for the first time since Week 6. He was having a solid season before a broken pinky on his throwing hand sidelined him and forced him to miss three games. The Cowboys have gone 1-2 during Romo’s absence, after a 3-0 start that had many talking about a possible Super Bowl. They are now 5-4 and tied for last place in the tough NFC East.
The return of Romo is not only big for the Cowboys, but it also could be a nice boost for fantasy owners. Chances are if you have Romo on your team, you had visions of a playoff run. Hopefully the three games without Romo didn’t hurt your playoff position too much. Romo is a must start this week against a struggling Redskins defense.
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Frank Gore listed as probable for Week 11 against Rams
San Francisco 49ers RB Frank Gore suffered an apparent concussion Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals. Gore returned to practice Friday and appears ready to play this week versus the St. Louis Rams. Gore is a must start when he plays as he has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season.
If for some reason Gore has a set back (and it’s not expected) the 49ers would likely start Michael Robinson at RB. Robinson has minimal value at this point with Gore appearing ready to play this week, but keep an eye on this situation right up until game time.
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Kyle Orton ready to start against Packers Week 11
Chicago Bears QB Kyle Orton will be active and appears ready to start (after missing one game) when the Bears travel to Lambeau Field this week to play the Green Bay Packers. Orton had been having a nice season before suffering an ankle injury Week 9 against the Detroit Lions.
Orton should be looked at as a QB2 this week against the Packers. It’s possible he could have a solid performance, but Green Bays’ secondary has been solid led by CB Charles Woodson. This does bode well for owners who were hoping to have Orton for the playoff run.
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Santana Moss practices all week, listed as probable against Cowboys
Washington Redskins may be losing RB Clinton Portis this week, but WR Santana Moss has practiced all week and appears ready to start against the Dallas Cowboys this week. Moss played Week 9 with a hamstring issue and only had two catches for 14 yards. He has been one of the season’s best wide receivers, but has he had some below par performances.
If Moss plays this week he should be considered a WR2. If the Redskins are going to get the ball moving through the air they will need a big game from Moss, but don’t expect too big of a game as he should be shadowed by CB Terrance Newman.
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Steven Jackson ruled out for the Rams’ Week 11 match-up with the 49ers
St. Louis Rams RB Steven Jackson will miss his third game in four weeks after suffering a thigh injury Week 7. In the game he did play Week 9, he only managed 7 carries for 17 rushing yards.
Jackson has continued to disappoint owners this season. He had a slow start to the season and just when it seemed like he was getting back into game shape after lengthy training camp holdout the thigh injury has sidelined him. Owners who passed on Jackson early in drafts look like geniuses now as he definitely was not worthy of an early pick this season.
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Bruno Boys Game of the Week (fantasy style) – Denver Broncos @ Atlanta Falcons.
After looking at all the match-ups one of the best games for the second week in a row is being played in Atlanta. This week the Denver Broncos travel south to play the Atlanta Falcons and this should be one of the highest scoring games Week 11 and offers a ton of fantasy talent.
Start either of the quarterbacks, as they are both projected to have big games this week. Jay Cutler had a huge game Week 10 and he is #1 on the Bruno Boys Weekly Quarterback Rankings. Last week Cutler looked more like the QB that started the 2008 season, going for 447 yards passing with 3 touchdowns Week 11. The Falcons’ rookie QB Matt Ryan has been a lot better then anticipated this season. He has been consistent with 9 touchdown passes with only 3 interceptions in Atlanta’s last five games. He is ranked #6 on our QB Rankings.
Surprisingly the Broncos don’t have much of a running game to talk about. They have been hit with the injury bug and are looking at stating their fifth running back of the season Peyton Hills. Now you may be thinking that you can catch lighting in a bottle, as this is the Denver Broncos. Um…yah, good luck! Hills is not a recommended start at this point and they don’t have a whole lot to offer after him. Atlanta Falcons RB Michael Turner on the other hand is a must start. He is #2 on the Bruno Boys Running Back Rankings. Jerious Norwood is also worth a start as a RB3 or flex option. Norwood is ranked #32 this week and has been a nice complimentary back to Turner.
Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall is the #1 ranked WR by the Bruno Boys this week. Marshall is poised for a big game against the Falcons. The Broncos rookie WR Eddie Royal has also been good of late and is our #14 ranked WR this week and a nice WR2 option. The Falcons WR Roddy White has been one of the most consistent receivers in football this year, fantasy or pro. He our #3 ranked WR this week and is a must start. He is likely to have a big game against a Broncos team that has had trouble stopping anyone this season. Michael Jenkins has made some big plays this season and has some point potential this week
The Broncos TE Tony Scheffler is the only recommended TE start in this game. Both teams have very good kickers. Matt Prater of the Broncos has a big leg and could have a solid day in this high scoring affair in the dome. The Falcons’ Jason Elam should also be in line for a big game. He has been one the best kickers this season and is our #2 ranked kicker this week. Once again the defenses are not recommended starts. Both were given one star rankings in the Bruno Boys Weekly D/ST Rankings.
Remember to check in with the Bruno Boys on Sunday mornings as you set your line-ups to get the most up-to-date player information available on the web. If you can’t find the answers to your questions join the Bruno Boys for a live Q & A chat on Sunday mornings at 11:30 EST / 8:30 PST as we answer all of your line-up questions.
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