2011 NFL Fantasy Player Rankings

Isaac Redman @ Broncos –

Now that the news is official that Rashard Mendenhall has a torn ACL, we can go ahead and label Isaac Redman the top running back in Pittsburgh’s backfield, throughout the playoffs. Redman has played well when called upon this season, and his nineteen carries for 92 yards and a score last week against the Browns, is encouraging for his prospects going forward.

While Redman was Mendenhall’s backup throughout the year, he was a trendy hold late in the season for fantasy owners, because if you paid attention, it was clear he would translate into a solid RB-2, if Mendenhall fell to injury. Listed at six foot, 230 pounds, Redman has the ideal size to touch the football over 20 times a game, and his 27 receptions and two receiving touchdowns on the year, should be a clue that this guy is more than just a North-South type of tailback.

The Broncos have struggled in recent weeks’ agents smaller tailbacks like C.J. Spiller and Dexter McCluster, but I suspect that the Steelers will dominate the time of possession in this game, as Tim Tebow is clearly having problems adjusting to recent defensive scheme changes, designed to attack his weaknesses.

If the Steelers can shut down Willis McGahee, this could be an easy victory, and in the end Pittsburgh should be the team advancing into the second round of the playoffs. While John Clay will get some work in the backfield, look for Redman to be the main go to running back, as Pittsburgh should be holding onto a lead throughout the second half.

Last Updated – January 2nd

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1 Arian Foster Bengals 2 Ahmad Bradshaw Falcons 3 Isaac Redman @ Broncos 4 Darren Sproles Lions 5 Michael Turner @ Giants 6 Willis McGahee Steelers 7 Chris Ivory Lions 8 Cedric Benson @ Texans 9 Kevin Smith @ Saints 10 Brandon Jacobs Falcons 11 Ben Tate Bengals 12 John Clay @ Broncos 13 Bernard Scott @ Texans 14 Pierre Thomas Lions 15 Lance Ball Steelers 16 Maurice Morris @ Saints

Kevin Smith vs. Packers -

What a game it was for Kevin Smith as his road back to a healthy NFL career has been a long one, since he tore his ACL towards the end of the 2009 season. Last year Smith was with the Lions but clearly wasn’t the same player he was before his injury, and until injuries and poor play opened the door for Smith again in Detroit, he was out of the league, just a few weeks back.

Two attributes I’ve always admired about Smith his big heart and determination, and that served him well in a three touchdown performance with over 200 total yards from scrimmage on only 20 touches last week.

Smith will face off against two of the better teams in the coming weeks but both the Packers and Saints have struggled against the run this year. Look to Smith as low end RB-2 going forward as he’s earned the starting job in Detroit going forward.

Mark Ingram vs. Giants –

Finally healthy from a heal injury suffered week seven, Ingram should be a worthy flex play option this week against the Giants defense. New York played well against the run last week until LeSean McCoy broke loose for a 60 yard run at the end of the game. While the Giants should play well early, I expect the same thing to happen this week, as New York has had trouble putting four quarters of solid run defense together of late.

The Saints love to run the football at the end of games, and if your in need of a third running back to start, this should be a week where we see Ingram’s rush for over 50 yards and a score. In the end, Ingram’s missed time could work in your favor down the stretch as he will have fresh legs.

Last Updated – Nov. 21st

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1 Arian Foster @ Jaguars 2 LeSean McCoy Patriots 3 Matt Forte @ Raiders 4 Calvin Johnson Packers 5 Greg Jennings (I) @ Lions 6 Steve Smith @ Colts 7 Rashard Mendenhall Chiefs 8 DeMarco Murray Dolphins 9 Maurice Jones-Drew Texans 10 Larry Fitzgerald @ Rams 11 Mike Wallace @ Chiefs 12 Dez Bryant Dolphins 13 Steven Jackson Cardinals 14 Ray Rice 49ers 15 Michael Bush Bears 16 Marshawn Lynch Redskins 17 Michael Turner Vikings 18 Chris Johnson Buccaneers 19 Kevin Smith Packers 20 Marques Colston Giants 21 Hakeem Nicks @ Saints 22 Wes Welker (I) @ Eagles 23 Jordy Nelson @ Lions 24 Laurent Robinson Dolphins 25 Antonio Brown @ Chiefs 26 Andre Johnson (I) @ Jaguars 27 Fred Jackson (I) @ Jets 28 Jonathan Stewart @ Colts 29 LeGarrette Blount @ Titans 30 Brandon Lloyd Cardinals 31 Vincent Jackson Broncos 32 Roddy White Vikings 33 Victor Cruz @ Saints 34 Reggie Bush @ Cowboys 35 Willis McGahee (I) @ Chargers 36 Ryan Mathews Broncos 37 Percy Harvin @ Falcons 38 Anquan Boldin 49ers 39 DeSean Jackson Patriots 40 Frank Gore (I) @ Ravens 41 Cedric Benson Browns 42 Ben Tate @ Jaguars 43 Brandon Jacobs @ Saints 44 Chris Ogbonnaya @ Bengals 45 Brandon Marshall @ Cowboys 46 Mario Manningham @ Saints 47 Jeremy Maclin (I) Patriots 48 Santonio Holmes Bills 49 Michael Crabtree @ Ravens 50 Torrey Smith 49ers 51 Mike Tolbert Broncos 52 Shonn Greene (I) Bills 53 Toby Gerhart @ Falcons 54 Sidney Rice (I) Redskins 55 Jerome Simpson Browns 56 Denarius Moore Bears 57 Dwayne Bowe Steelers 58 Mike Williams (TB) @ Titans 59 Darren Sproles Giants 60 Beanie Wells (I) @ Rams 61 BenJarvus Green-Ellis (I) @ Eagles 62 DeAngelo Williams @ Colts 63 Harry Douglas Vikings 64 James Jones @ Lions 65 Earl Bennett @ Raiders 66 Mark Ingram Giants 67 C.J. Spiller @ Jets 68 Lance Moore Giants 69 Damian Williams Buccaneers 70 Eric Decker @ Chargers 71 Vincent Brown Broncos 72 Titus Young Packers 73 Reggie Wayne Panthers 74 Roy Helu @ Seahawks 75 Jackie Battle Steelers 2011 Weekly Lineup Help

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Steve Johnson @ Dolphins –

After a hot start to the season, Steve Johnson just hasn’t been the same player since week three as the Bills have relied more on the feet of Fred Jackson to win games. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick finally hooked up with Johnson on a deep route against the Jets a few weeks ago, but a case of the flue and a shoulder injury, limited Johnson to an ineffective stat-line, in the teams’ loss to the Cowboys.

Johnson is of course a must hold on any roster, but it’s time to consider him a bench this week, unless you are thin at the receiver position. Keep an eye on Johnson’s status this week as he’s listed as day to day, early in the week, with his shoulder ailment. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t be surprised if Johnson plays as he’s a gamer, and he could have success against the Dolphins, but unfortunately top corner Vontae Davis should be in the lineup.

If he should put in a full practice by Friday, get him in the lineup as a WR-3, unless you happen to have a deep receiving core, or you recently picked someone like Laurent Robinson to replace him.

Danny Woodhead vs. Chiefs –

Quietly, Danny Woodhead has been the top running back in the Patriots backfield in the past two weeks. While Woodhead isn’t a worthy play in standard leagues, he’s a flex play option in PPR leagues. It seemed Woodhead’s fantasy value was all but washed up when Kevin Faulk returned a few weeks ago, and while I wouldn’t hold out hope for a big game against the Chiefs this week, Woodhead should help you through the final bye week.

Look for New England to make quick work of a Chiefs team that will be without starting quarterback Matt Cassel, and they should run the football up to 40 times in this blow out victory.

Last Updated – Nov. 15th

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1 LeSean McCoy @ Giants 2 Adrian Peterson Raiders 3 DeMarco Murray @ Redskins 4 Matt Forte Chargers 5 Fred Jackson @ Dolphins 6 Ray Rice Bengals 7 Maurice Jones-Drew @ Browns 8 Steven Jackson Seahawks 9 Chris Johnson @ Falcons 10 Calvin Johnson (I) Panthers 11 Greg Jennings Buccaneers 12 Wes Welker Chiefs 13 Steve Smith @ Lions 14 Michael Bush @ Vikings 15 Marshawn Lynch @ Rams 16 Dez Bryant @ Redskins 17 Larry Fitzgerald @ 49ers 18 Michael Turner Titans 19 Reggie Bush Bills 20 Brandon Marshall Bills 21 Anquan Boldin Bengals 22 Hakeem Nicks Eagles 23 Ryan Mathews (I) @ Bears 24 Brandon Jacobs Eagles 25 Laurent Robinson @ Redskins 26 Brandon Lloyd Seahawks 27 Jeremy Maclin (I) @ Giants 28 Roddy White Titans 29 A.J. Green (I) @ Ravens 30 Shonn Greene @ Broncos 31 BenJarvus Green-Ellis Chiefs 32 Mario Manningham Eagles 33 Jordy Nelson Buccaneers 34 Victor Cruz Eagles 35 Santonio Holmes @ Broncos 36 Denarius Moore @ Vikings 37 Frank Gore (I) Cardinals 38 Lance Ball Jets 39 Jackie Battle @ Patriots 40 Earl Bennett Chargers 41 Harry Douglas Titans 42 Kendall Hunter Cardinals 43 Mike Tolbert @ Bears 44 LeGarrette Blount @ Packers 45 Torrey Smith Bengals 46 Dwayne Bowe @ Patriots 47 Vincent Jackson @ Bears 48 Chris Ogbonnaya Jaguars 49 Percy Harvin (I) Raiders 50 Eric Decker Jets 51 Damian Williams @ Falcons 52 Michael Crabtree Cardinals 53 Vincent Brown @ Bears 54 Steve Johnson @ Dolphins 55 DeSean Jackson @ Giants 56 Beanie Wells (I) @ 49ers 57 Jonathan Stewart @ Lions 58 Maurice Morris Panthers 59 Cedric Benson @ Ravens 60 Titus Young Panthers 61 David Nelson @ Dolphins 62 Greg Little Jaguars 63 DeAngelo Williams @ Lions 64 James Starks Buccaneers 65 Austin Pettis Seahawks 66 James Jones Buccaneers 67 Danny Woodhead Chiefs 68 Dexter McCluster @ Patriots 69 Daniel Thomas Bills 70 Steve Breaston @ Patriots 71 Doug Baldwin @ Rams 72 Mike Williams (TB) @ Packers 73 Nate Burleson @ Panthers 74 Legedu Naanee @ Lions 2011 Weekly Lineup Help

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Michael Bush vs Broncos -

As of Monday, Darren McFadden missed the teams first practice of the week coming of the bye week as he recovers from an leg injury that knocked him out of action against the Chiefs. Fantasy owners will McFadden and Michael Bush need to monitor his progress throughout the week as the star running back may not play in a terrific matchup against the Broncos.

If McFadden is out, Bush would move up from being just a flex play start, to a legit RB-2 play this week as Oakland has tormented Denver on the ground for a few years now. Expect rookie speedster Taiwan Jones to get some looks with Bush, but the power back should see at least 20 carries and the usual goal-line work if he’s declared the starter.

Javon Ringer vs Bengals -

Watch the video from the Titans vs. Texans it was clear to see that Chris Johnson was on the fast track to losing his job if he continued his un-inspiring play. At one point, Johnson had five carries for only one yards against a Colts defense that’s been torched on the ground all year.

By the fourth quarter, the Titans coaching staff finally made the switch to Javon Ringer as he’s run better, and will at least lower his shoulder and deliver a blow to opposing defenders. While Ringer will likely be in a time share with Johnson going forward, fantasy owners should look to Ringer as the better fantasy play, at this time.

Brandon Marshall @ Chiefs

This has been a tough year for the Dolphins, but Brandon Marshall continues to be an active player in the offense weekly. Matt Moore has a tendency to lock on to one receiver as we saw him target Marshall often against the Jets, and he did the same with Steve Smith while in Carolina.

Don’t be surprised if Marshall ends the season with 90 receptions and over 1,000 yards but his touchdown total should be low. The Dolphins have had a hard time getting the football over the goal line, and when they do finally score a touchdown, it tends to be on the ground.

Still, Marshall makes for as high as a low WR-2 play this week as he will have some opportunities against the Chiefs secondary that likes to take chances (for turnovers) and can get burned.

Last Update – Oct. 31st

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1 LeSean McCoy Bears 2 Arian Foster Browns 3 Matt Forte @ Eagles 4 Fred Jackson Jets 5 Darren McFadden (I) Broncos 6 Michael Turner @ Colts 7 Ray Rice @ Steelers 8 Steven Jackson @ Cardinals 9 Dwayne Bowe Dolphins 10 Wes Welker Giants 11 Ryan Mathews (I) Packers 12 Frank Gore @ Redskins 13 Ahmad Bradshaw @ Patriots 14 DeMarco Murray Seahawks 15 Mike Wallace Ravens 16 Greg Jennings @ Chargers 17 A.J. Green @ Titans 18 Jeremy Maclin Bears 19 Marques Colston Buccaneers 20 Roddy White @ Colts 21 Dez Bryant Seahawks 22 Victor Cruz @ Patriots 23 Anquan Boldin @ Steelers 24 DeSean Jackson Bears 25 Larry Fitzgerald Rams 26 Beanie Wells (I) Rams 27 LeGarrette Blount (I) @ Saints 28 Vincent Jackson (I) Packers 29 Miles Austin Seahawks 30 Shonn Greene @ Bills 31 Jackie Battle Dolphins 32 Cedric Benson @ Titans 33 Reggie Bush (I) @ Chiefs 34 Darren Sproles Buccaneers 35 Darrius Heyward-Bey Broncos 36 Brandon Lloyd @ Cardinals 37 Mario Manningham @ Patriots 38 Santonio Holmes @ Bills 39 Brandon Marshall @ Chiefs 40 Rashard Mendenhall Ravens 41 BenJarvus Green-Ellis (I) Giants 42 Nate Washington Bengals 43 Antonio Brown Ravens 44 Javon Ringer Bengals 45 Pierre Thomas Buccaneers 46 Michael Bush Broncos 47 Sidney Rice @ Cowboys 48 Torrey Smith @ Steelers 49 Reggie Wayne Falcons 50 Delone Carter Falcons 51 Lance Ball @ Raiders 52 Daniel Thomas (I) @ Chiefs 53 Steve Johnson Jets 54 Mike Williams (TB) @ Saints 55 Chris Johnson Bengals 56 Jordy Nelson @ Chargers 57 Steve Breaston Dolphins 58 Ben Tate Browns 59 Knowshon Moreno @ Raiders 60 Michael Crabtree @ Redskins 61 Greg Little @ Texans 62 Marshawn Lynch(I) @ Cowboys 63 Greg Salas @ Cardinals 64 Jabar Gaffney 49ers 65 Ben Obamanu @ Cowboys 66 Eric Decker @ Raiders 67 Pierre Garcon Falcons 68 James Starks @ Chargers 69 Ryan Torain 49ers 70 James Jones @ Chargers 71 Emmanuel Sanders Ravens 72 Arrelious Benn @ Saints 73 Phillip Tanner Seahawks 74 Roy Helu 49ers 75 David Nelson Jets 2011 Weekly Lineup Help

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Start’em

Aldon Smith vs Browns -

As a 49ers fan, I must admit I was a little disappointed when the 49ers drafted Aldon Smith as a top ten selection. While Vic Fangio and Jim Harbaugh understand the players, they want to bring in for their 3-4 defensive scheme, it was likely that Smith wasn’t going to make a sudden impact on the field as he would be converting to play linebacker from begin a defensive end, and doing so with no OTA’s in the summer.

Well throw those early expectations into the trash can as Smith looked good in his preseason work and already has 5.5 sacks through six games.

With the 49ers looking like a possible twelve win team this year, their defense will be in position for sack opportunities weekly, and as a recent article on Yahoo points out, Smith is on pace to tie Javon Kearse’s rookie sack total from the 1999 season.

What’s scarey about Smith is he’s doing all this while continuing to be a work in progress, and is snap count continues to grow as he matures. Look to Smith as a great start this week against the Browns, and for big play leagues, he’s worth holding from this point forward.

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Derrick Johnson vs Chargers -

I’ve been talking up Darrick Johnson all week and will continue to recommend him as an option to start going forward. As I’ve pointed out before, Johnson tends to play well when the Chiefs are playing well. The Chargers have their share of problems, so expect a good game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Kansas City comes out the winner, as Johnson racks up over 10 tackles.

Don’t look to Johnson’s stats from the first time these teams meet as the Chiefs were playing like one of the worst teams in football, and after three straight wins since that time, this is clearly a different team, and Johnson’s IDP production reflects that.

Dawan Landry @ Texans -

The Titans defensive backs had strong numbers against the Texans, and the one option you can trust in the Jaguars secondary is Dawan Landry. Coming off an impressive defensive performance against the Ravens, I’m not sure how much this team has in the tank for this week on short rest, but Landry should be a respectable DB-2 as the Texans are likely to win in time of possession.

Sit’em

Dave Ball vs Colts -

With the Titans using a rotation on the line, Dave Ball has yet to get things going to play like the lineman we came to know a year ago, that gave IDP owners some respectable performances. I know the Titans are playing the Colts, but just last week Will Smith opportunities were squashed when Indianapolis elected to run the football throughout the fourth quarter.

Look to other options, but if your desperate, he could find a sack if the Colts allow Curtis Painter to put the football up, in predictable passing situations. It’s advisable to cut Ball for better options at this point, as the Titans are an up and down team to say the least.

Justin King vs Saints –

The Rams cornerback got off to a nice start and could be worth using in the future but after suffering a groin injury in the teams’ loss to the Cowboys, King only managed two tackles and may not play this week. Even if he goes, IDP fantasy owners need to look else where this week.

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Start’em

Philip Rivers @ Chiefs -

Yes, it’s getting to that point with Philip Rivers that we have to start thinking about whether or not to bench him on a weekly basis. The Chargers are running the football more often and with Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson constantly banged up, Rivers isn’t the same quarterback he was for most of last year.

Truthfully, Rivers play declined in the second half of the season when Gates was out of the lineup, but at least his star tight end returned and posted a touchdown against the Jets.

Kansas City’s secondary amassed six interceptions against the Raiders but their quarterback situation was poor to say the least as Kyle Boller started the game and was pulled after throwing the first three picks. Then, Carson Palmer came into to throw the final three interceptions, but that’s to be expected when he just got to the team on Tuesday.

Rivers will have better success as the Chiefs secondary has given up big plays down the field and the Chargers are one of the better deep ball teams in the league. Look for Rivers to target Jackson and Malcom Floyd as he should throw for 300 yards and at least two touchdowns.

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Start’em

Ryan Fitzpatrick vs Bengals –

If you didn’t believe in Ryan Fitzpatrick after the Bills played the Raiders, he surly must have earned your trust with a strong performance against the Patriots. The Bills play another pass friendly team in the Bengals this week, and Fitzpatrick should have no problems posting over 300 yards passing and at least two touchdowns.

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So you were impressed yet still skeptical after Cam Newton threw for over 400 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. Then he did it again against the Green Bay Packers and maybe you’re a believer now. But I bet there’s still part of you that’s just not sure what to make of Newton heading into Week 3.

Unfortunately for you, I expect and I assume that Newton could outplay even the loftiest projections this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. For the last few seasons, the Jags have consistently had one of the game’s worst pass defenses. Last year, they allowed 4,193 passing yards (sixth most in the NFL) and 28 scores. In total, Jacksonville allowed quarterbacks to score 21.3 fantasy points per game, seventh most in the league. In 2008 and 2009, they allowed the sixth most and seventh most fantasy points per game to QBs, respectively. We’re talking about one of the most reliably bad pass defenses in the NFL going up against a guy who apparently was given carte blanche to chuck the ball at will.

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The wild and crazy week one is done, and I think about 30 quarterbacks threw for over 300 yards this week as blown assignments in the secondary, where the theme around the NFL. Tom Brady’s 99-yard touchdown pass to Wes Welker had to be the exclamation point on what was truly a fun weekend of passing offense.

While the first week was all about the passing game, their a a few key running backs to consider starting this week as matchups dictate potential solid days, from boarder line options.

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Good or bad the first week of the fantasy football season never ceases to amaze me as we start to find out which players are ready for a breakout year, what to do with star talents who get hurt, and those players who lost value from more than just a lose on the score board. It’s easy to over react to the first week because football has been away for awhile, as I can’t tell you how many teams that end up winning championships in December, can start out slow to open the year.

That said, it’s time to look at some waiver wire options to help your squad improve, especially if you have St. Louis Rams players you were counting on like Steven Jackson, Danny Amendola and Sam Bradford.