Quick Hits on Week 11

Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

The complexions of so many NFL teams are changing right now, and not all for the better. Here are my thoughts on yesterday’s contests. 

– E.J. Manuel is back.  He was on point with his receivers, even though they were arguably the B-team in Buffalo. He should flirt with QB2 status here on out.

 

– Marquise Goodwin will stay a big part of the Buffalo offense, even with the return of Woods and Johnson.

 

– Coach Marrone needs to stop making excuses for C.J. Spiller. A player of his skill set does not necessarily require great blocking to produce.

 

– Bilal Powell can be dropped in most leagues. This is the Chris Ivory show now.

 

– Did the Ravens O-line get better overnight? No, the Chicago run defense is just abysmal. Ray Rice will fall back to earth next week against the Jets, so if you’re going to trade him, do it now.

 

– Chris Ogbonnaya is leading the Browns backfield in touches and production. With a cherry schedule in front of him for the next four games, he’s worth an add in 12 or more team leagues.

 

– Jordan Cameron got the targets, he just didn’t get the yards this week. Don’t worry too much about him.

 

– The whole Bengals receiving corps. was anemic this week. Take that into context when looking at any one receiver’s output against the Browns.

 

– So much for LeSean McCoy not being as effective with Ryan Foles at QB. His goal line prowess makes up for any shortage of carries. Bryce Brown is worth a pickup for his owners though, as no one knows how long he’ll hold up.

 

– Nick Foles is going to stick at QB. Apparently, Vick could have played this week.

 

– Alfred Morris is alarmingly non-touchdown dependent. I think his numbers will only improve as the season wears on.

 

– The one soft matchup for the remainder of the season for Reggie Bush came and went without so much as a whimper. His schedule only gets brutal from this point.

 

– Should Emmanuel Sanders’ foot injury linger, Jerricho Cotchery will remain a consistent fantasy player and is worth picking up in most leagues.

 

– Bobby Rainey went off like I thought he would. Kudos to those who picked him up instead of going with Brian Leonard.

 

– Vincent Jackson is frustratingly inconsistent and the definition of a boom or bust player this season. I would not fault you for selling high after his productive performance against Atlanta.

– Antone Smith got his 88 yards on two carries. I wouldn’t read too much into his great day.

 

– We’ve now seen the floor of Andre Ellington’s game. He’s a boom or bust player, and Mendenhall might actually be the safer play.

 

– With Mike Brown injured and Cecil Shorts being woefully underutilized, Ace Sanders makes an intriguing pickup in larger leagues.

 

– Don’t expect Darren McFadden to take back his starting job when he returns. Rashad Jennings is making a compelling argument for at least a time share in Oakland.

 

– Matt McGloin, who would have thought? We might be seeing a changing of the guard at QB for the Raiders as well.

 

– With Ben Tate playing well while injured, Dennis Johnson can be safely dropped in smaller leagues.

 

– Now might be a great time to sell high on Garrett Graham. He had a terrific game on Sunday, but Owen Daniels will resume his role as the primary tight end within the next few weeks.

 

– With Keenan Allen banged up, Ladarius Green makes for an intriguing pick up. He’s like a faster Julius Thomas.

 

– Rishard Matthews trended more towards the norm this Week, but he was still fairly productive. He’s a decent flex play.

 

– Just when we thought Lamar Miller was the guy in Miami, Daniel Thomas had to throw a wrench in the works. Neither player is anything more than a flex play at this point.

 

– Right on cue, Marques Colston is starting to pick things up in the latter half of the season. His upcoming schedule is not one to be desired though. Now is the time to sell high.

 

– Brandon Jacobs is going to be a touchdown vulture. Andre Brown owners might consider selling high, too.

 

– Scott Tolzien isn’t terrible, but he can only support two receivers at best in Green Bay. Those two receivers are going to Jordy Nelson and Jarrett Boykin most weeks.

 

– Don’t be too disheartened by Cordarrelle Patterson’s first starting effort. He got 9 targets, and that would indicate he’s going to see similar numbers going forward.

 

– Knowshon Moreno out carried Montee Ball 27 to 8. Both could end up being viable fantasy plays due to Ball’s goal line usage.