2012 Week 11 Fantasy Advice

I don't what's scarier: The fact that we are already at Week 11 of this NFL season already, or the fact that my fantasy picks are getting better, slowly but surely. You can pick that one for yourself.

Byes: TEN, MIN, NYG, SEA

Who to Start:

QB Carson Palmer (OAK) vs. NO: Yes, he turns the ball over a ton. But, look at the numbers he puts up, mainly because his team is always trailing. This week, he goes up against the sieve that is the New Orleans Saints pass defense, so he'll be in for another gaudy stat line.

RB Stevan Ridley (NE) vs. IND: Even though the motto usually is "never trust any New England running back", Ridley is the best option of many in that Patriot backfield. He should have a big game against a Colts defense that struggles mightily against the run.

WR Steve Smith (CAR) vs. TB: Even though he hasn't done very much this season, he is a must start when the matchup goes in his favor. The Panthers host the Bucs this Sunday, meaning that the matchup is well in the Panthers court.

WR Eric Decker (DEN) vs. SD: He didn't do much of anything last week against Carolina, but the Chargers are different animal. Looking at how opposing WR's have been doing against the Bolts recently, Decker is a pretty easy option to start on Sunday.

TE Antonio Gates (SD) vs. DEN: Maybe the lone bright spot for the Chargers all season has been Gates, and his good play should continue against the Broncos defense that does really struggle to defend Tight Ends.

DEF (Not Houston, because that would be too easy) Atlanta vs. ARZ: The Falcons defense isn't very good on the surface, but when they play against a bad offense, they suddenly become an appealing fantasy option. The Cardinals are not a very good offense, therefore the Falcons D is a good start.

Who to Sit:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. PIT: Gaudy numbers aside, Flacco has never played particularly well against Pittsburgh in his career, and he also hasn't been very reliable on the road. The Steelers defense is banged up, but they will give Flacco, and his fantasy owners, fits.

RB Rashad Jennings (JAX) vs. HOU: Since being thrust into the spotlight due to an MJD injury, Jennings has failed to live up to the billing. The Texans defense is on a roll right now, so Jennings will be looking straight down the barrel of another bad performance.

WR Josh Gordon (CLE) vs. DAL: He has been a hot waiver wire name, but since his breakout game, he has struggled big time. Dallas' defense is very good, especially at home, so Gordon could be looking at another game where he doesn't put up big numbers.

WR Danario Alexander (SD) vs. DEN: Yes, he had a huge game against the Bucs last week. Repeat to yourself the team he played against for a second, and then you'll see why he is not recommended for anyone to start him this week, even if you plucked him off the waiver wire.

TE Jermichael Finley (GB) vs. DET: Even though he was a highly rated TE before the season started, he has produced minimal numbers for his owners this season, and that will likely continue in Week 11 in Detroit, because the Lions defend the Tight End very well.

DEF Indianapolis vs. NE: They are banged up, and the Patriots are not the Jaguars. Clearly not.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Andy Dalton (CIN) vs. KC: He had a huge game against the Giants last week, and the Chiefs are next, and they really don't play very well on their home field, so Dalton could potentially pick them apart.

RB Marcel Reece (OAK) vs. NO: Unless Darren McFadden's ankle magically heals, Reece will get the start against the porous Saints defense. He could be in for a potentially huge day.

DEF St. Louis vs. NYJ: They had a great game last week against San Francisco, and now off that high, they play the Jets. You see why they could have a big week.

Buyer Beware:

QB Philip Rivers (SD) vs. DEN: He's hard to bench, but the Broncos secondary has been very good this season, and Rivers is always game for a bad turnover or two. He is a risky start this week.

Good Luck in Week 11!