It's amazing how everything starts to move in slow motion when your fantasy team goes into flames. Mine has done just that. I hope that you are doing a little better than I am this season.
Week 11 is going to be less stressful for its owners, as all players and NFL teams will be back in action. The bye weeks are all behind us. Only concerns you should have now before making difficult roster moves is determining who is a high-risk play based on injury. Lets take a look at who you should sit and start this week.
QUARTERBACK
Donovan McNabb (PHI) -- After failing you miserably last week by suggesting Eli Manning would have one of his best days as a pro, I assure you that McNabb is a for sure bust for Week 11. The Eagles have announced that Mike McMahon is going to start in place of McNabb who is still struggling with a "sports hernia." SIT HIM.
RUNNING BACKS
Samkon Gado (GB) -- I almost picked him last week, which would have been a little more daring (and rewarding since he scored three touchdowns), but the Packers continue to have few players to turn to for production. Gado is possibly this season's Cinderella story. He started the season as the Packer's fifth string running back. He is now the featured back, which is a first for him (he was not even the starter in college). The Vikings have a week run-
defense. START HIM.
Corey Dillon (NE) -- Last week, against Miami, Dillon strained his calf muscle on the first play of the game. He has not shown proof of a recovery in practice all week. He is questionable for Week 11 but my bet is even if he starts, he will play a limited roll. SIT HIM.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jimmy Smith (JAC) -- This is a risky pick for me to make. He is listed as questionable for Sunday, but if he plays (as I suspect) he will go on to post fantastic numbers against the Titans less than impressive secondary. This guy is the most underrated wideout in the NFL. START HIM.
Laveranues Coles (WAS) -- Again, we feature Coles in the column. He has skills. He makes plenty of receptions. And he is the "go to" guy on the Washington Redskin receiving corps. Problem is, this week he will be going heads up against Champ Bailey. The only thing Laveranues will be able to catch this week is a cold. SIT HIM.
TIGHT END
Jason Witten (DAL) -- Everything the Cowboys touch seems to turn to gold these days (Did you watch Monday Night's Game?). Against the Lions defense, look for Witten to bounce back from his three catch/ 27 yard performance of last week. Look for him to gain around 65 yards and hit paydirt for the first time since Week 3. START HIM.
KICKER
Seriously-- Do we really care about place kickers? If you lose by a point because you started the wrong kicker this week, fire me an email and I will see to it I never skip the position again.
DEFENSE
GIANTS (NY) -- The Giants are going to be facing what was once one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. But, just for kicks, can you name three players who will be starting on offense for the Eagles this week? Heck, me neither. The Giants "D" has been playing well enough to get the nod even if McNabb and T.O. were playing, but since they aren't, the Eagles may not even score. Look for the Giants defense to have a very big day; one that may even bring a fumble recovery or interception back to the end zone. START THEM!
Baseball Note:
From now until the conclusion of the football season, I will focus on a baseball player whose status is up in the air for next year's fantasy baseball season. This week I am going to focus on B.J. Ryan. Ryan was one of the more dominating closers in all of baseball for the much-maligned Baltimore Orioles. Having had such a great season, one would think he is a cinch to be a top closer in 2006. Folks, that may not be the case. Ryan is a free agent and has been pursued by the Yankees during this hot-stove season. If he is signed by the "Evil Empire," you and I both know he will not knock Mariano Rivera out of the Yankee closer role. Keep an eye on this situation to determine whether or not you need to hold on to Ryan in keeper leagues. Please keep in mind that I appreciate and look forward to receiving your emails. Feel free to include any fantasy football or baseball questions, suggestions or comments you may have at cardfan_yak@yahoo.com.
GOOD LUCK!