Week 11: Fantasy Studs and Duds

Studs

Marcus Mariota- What a run Mariota has been on, in the past five weeks he has been setting the NFL alight. After throwing for over 290 yards and four touchdowns against the Packers, Mariota is officially a fantasy stud now. What is so impressive about Mariota is his ability to find the open receiver, but also use his legs to either get the first down or extend the play, very Aaron Rodgers like. This week Mariota gets a fantastic matchup against the Colts. The Colts have been terrible in almost every aspect of defence this season, especially against opposing quarter backs, as they rank as the fourth worst in the NFL right now. Another important aspect of this game is Andrew Luck, whilst the Colts are woeful on defence, their offence is highly explosive and can score points at will. Therefore, Mariota will be stepping up for another big fantasy day, as he will be locked in an offensive battle with Luck. Start Mariota with confidence this week, as I think he will be a top 5 fantasy quarterback.

Drew Brees and Cam Newton- Brees has been on fire this season, posting a very respectable day last week against the Broncos vaunted secondary. Whilst Cam Newton has struggled in recent weeks, look for a bounce back game this week. Both quarterbacks are a must start this week, as their respective secondaries are terrible at defending the pass. The Saints currently give up the 6th most points and the Panthers give up 11th most. This game will most likely be a contest in which both offences score at will, therefore prompting the other quarterback to throw more. Look for both to a very productive fantasy day.

Jamesion Crowder- Crowder has emerged as Kirk Cousins favourite target this season, with the gradual decline of DeSean Jackson, Crowder has become a fantasy workhorse. It is obvious that Crowder is a focal of this offence now, combining excellent route running with good size and speed, he is now a must start each week. This week’s matchup is ideal for Crowder, as he gets to take on the injury depleted Packers secondary that has been getting torched in the passing game. This game will also be one in which both offenses will trade blows down the field, so look for Crowder to be in line for a big day.

LeGarrett Blount- What a stud Blount has turned into, even with Brady coming back, Blount has still been a monster for fantasy owners. Now whilst the majority of his value rests upon his ability to find the end zone, being the lead running back on an explosive offence ensures that he has ample opportunities to find the goal line. After a three touchdown performance against a good Seahawks defence, Blount will be in for another big day against the 49ers. Now whilst the Niners did stop David Johson to some degree last week, they have been historically bad against the run this season. Start Blount with confidence, as he will most likely score a pair of touchdowns in this contest and may rip off a few large runs.

Delanie Walker- Walker has been fantastic the past few weeks, a lot of this does have to do with the level upon which his quarterback is playing. Walker last week went over 120 receiving yards and a touchdown, huge numbers for a tight end. Look for his success to continue, as mentioned the Titans are playing the Colts and their woeful defence, with the injuries that the Colts have had to their line backing corps, Walker will have another productive day.

Antonio Brown- Still the best receiver in football this week’s matchup is ideal for a blow up game for the Steelers number one receiver. Last week Brown rewarded fantasy owners with a monster day, going over 150 receiving yards and that sneaky touchdown on the fake spike. This week the Steelers are playing a Browns defence that ranks as the worst in the NFL against opposing wide receivers. The Browns are struggling defensively, don’t look for the Steelers to hold back, Brown will be involved heavily in this game and could see another big day for fantasy owners.

Martellus Bennett- It looks like Gronk may miss this game against the 49ers due to a punctured lung, that he suffered in the loss to the Seahawks. If that is the case, then Bennet is a must start. Even with Gronk on the field last week, Martellus still went over 100 receiving yards, look for more targets to come his way if Gronk is officially ruled out. It is still a bit hazy as to the extent of the injury to Gronk, regardless Bennett is a nice pick up moving forward.

Duds

Tim Hightower and Mark Ingram (Saints running backs)- both have been serviceable in fantasy circles the past few weeks. This week’s matchup against the Panthers does not bode well for either of these running backs. First the Panthers boast the third best run defence in the NFL currently, secondly this game will most likely be a contest in which the arms of the quarterbacks will decide who wins, therefore limiting the carries that either running back may have.

Jerick McKinnion and Matt Asiata (Vikings running backs)- Much like the aforementioned Saints running backs, the prospect for this Vikings rushing attack does not look bright. The Vikings are playing a formidable Cardinals defence that has so far this year bottled up a number of good running backs. Add this to the sieve that is the Vikings offensive line, and no gaping holes will be apparent for either running back to exploit. Start either one of these at your own peril.

Kenneth Dixon and Terrence West (Ravens running backs)- I am not sure what is happening in Baltimore, but they certainly do not resemble a traditional Ravens offence, that relies upon the running game. A few injuries on the offensive line do not help either running backs plight, but besides this fact, they only managed just under 100 rushing yards and no score against a Browns defence that has been previously getting gashed by running backs. This week they take on the Cowboys and their improved run defence, add into the mix that the Cowboys play a style of football right now that limits any opportunities you may have on offence, due to their running game. Both Dixon and West are risky plays this coming week.

Jason Witten- Whilst he did have a good game against the Browns a few weeks ago, it is apparent that Witten is not your every week starter. Last week he only managed to haul in 59 receiving yards, whilst as a football player he is elite, as a fantasy option he is not. This week he takes on a Ravens defence that ranks as the second best against opposing tight ends. Look for other options this week as Witten is very touchdown dependant and does not do a whole lot with his targets.

Todd Gurley- Too often Todd Gurley has landed in this portion of the column, and each week he has disappointed. One of the biggest factors in Gurley’s regression, is the offensive line is in disarray, therefore Gurley is constantly getting hit in the backfield as he receives the ball, not a combination that will lead to fantasy points. This week he takes on a Miami defensive front that is stacked with talent, especially from Suh and Williams, who love to feed on opposing running back. Last week the only way in which Melvin Gordon could get involved was through the receiving game. Look for the same plight to come upon Gurley this week, he is now becoming a player that you are seriously considering benching depending on the matchups.