Week 11 in Review Nov 17, 2008

Ballers of the Week

Carolina RBs

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart had huge days against the 0-10 Detroit Lions. Williams had 14 carries for 120 yards and two TD’s, while the rookie Stewart piled up 130 yards on 15 carries with one touchdown. That many yards (250) on the ground from two guys is very impressive and that kind of production should be similar next week against Atlanta.

Joseph Addai , RB Indianapolis Colts

Addai had by far his best game of 2008 with 22 carries for 105 yards and a score. He also chipped in with four catches for 48 yards and another TD. This was the first time all season that Addai has ran for more than 100 yards so maybe he is finally healthy. Look for him to get stronger and more comfortable and finish the season out strong.

Arizona WRs

The best receiver tandem in the NFL went off yet again, as Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin combined for 23 receptions and 337 yards Sunday against the Seahawks. Although neither found pay dirt, both provided very serviceable days for fantasy owners. Boldin had 13 catches for 186 yards, while Fitzgerald hauled in 10 passes for 151 yards. You don’t need me to tell you that these two WRs are must starts every week!

Busts of the Week

Tim Hightower , RB Arizona Cardinals

Hightower did not do much on Sunday to help keep his newly acquired starting job. He ran the ball 11 times for just 35 yards and failed to make any receptions or score a TD. Meanwhile, reserve J.J. Arrington found the end zone twice and was much more productive when he ran the ball. Hightower owners should grab Arrington immediately.

Chicago DEF

The once unstoppable Bears defense got embarrassed on Sunday, allowing 37 points to Green Bay and putting up a negative point total in fantasy games. They had zero sacks and just one INT in a game where Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was in complete control against them.

Antonio Gates , TE San Diego Chargers

Gates had scored in each of his past two games, but Week 11 was one that owners will want to forget about. Gates had just two catches for 10 yards in a miserable day for all Chargers. Pittsburgh’s defense was spectacular all night and bottled up the TE any chance they could. Don’t worry though; Gates will bounce back in a big way over the next month with games against the Colts, Falcons, Raiders and Chiefs.

Waiver Wire

Kerry Collins , QB Tennessee Titans

How this guy is still only owned in 22% of ESPN leagues is beyond me. Go pick Collins up right now if you are in need of a QB because he has been awesome over the last two weeks, averaging over 20 points a game. I think more than 500 passing yards, five TDs and just one INT over the last two games is good enough reason to warrant a pick up.

Shocker Special

Matt Cassel , QB New England Patriots

Cassel had a monster day last Thursday in a 34-31 loss to the Jets. He was 30-51 for 400 yards and three touchdown passes. He also ran for 62 yards and almost single-handedly led his team to a come-from-behind victory. Cassel is getting more and more confident as the season goes on and should be starting in all leagues right now.

Keep on your Fantasy Radar

J.J. Arrington , RB Arizona Cardinals

The No. 3 RB on the Arizona roster is now moving up the list as Arrington put together a great Week 11. He rushed eight times for 40 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 21 yards and another TD. He totally outperformed starter Tim Hightower and at the very least should get more touches next week against the Giants.

Must Start of Week 12

Reggie Bush , RB New Orleans Saints

I am saying it right now, start Reggie next week against the Packers! I know owners will be unsure whether to start him or not after his knee injury, but I am telling you right now to do it. He sat out an extra week to get healthy and is going up against a pitiful Green Bay run defense. Bush should have a nice day after missing three games.

Please Bench of Week 12

Tyler Thigpen , QB Kansas City Chiefs

Thigpen has been on fire over the last month, averaging close to 25 fantasy points a game! Week 12 will be a different story though as he matches up against a solid Buffalo secondary. Look for Thigpen to struggle a bit and have an average day at best.