NFL FANTASY MATCHUPS WEEK 11

November 18, 2005 4:00 PM ET

The bye weeks are finished and the stretch drive of the regular season is here. The fantasy playoffs are quickly approaching and there are several intriguing storylines we'll be following in week 11 that could play a big role in the postseason:

Week 11 Fantasy Matchups - Petyon vs. Carson: The game of the week pits Peyton Manning against Carson Palmer. It's also a battle of Manning against the league's top ball-hawking defense, Palmer against the No. 4 overall defense, and Marvin Harrison versus Chad Johnson in a battle of elite wide receivers. It's also a battle of two of the most high-powered offenses square off in what has the potential to be the most meaningful game of the weekend for fantasy owners.

Week 11 Fantasy Matchups - Jones or Barber? Julius Jones owners cringed last week when the news broke late last Monday afternoon that Marion Barber was starting at tailback. All weekend long we heard that Jones was poised to make his first start since suffering a high ankle sprain, yet it was Barber who started and took the majority of the carries. We'll be keeping a close eye on this situation when the Cowboys host the Lions in hopes of assessing how much value Jones will have during the final weeks of the regular season and the fantasy playoffs.

Can Bruce still go? Isaac Bruce returned to action last Sunday for the first time since week three when he came down with a serious case of turf toe. The results weren't pretty, as he was held to just one reception for 16 yards. The 12-year veteran wasn't exactly lighting up the league when he was held to a total of eight receptions for 125 yards in his first two outings of the season. Meanwhile, third-year receiver Kevin Curtis played extremely well in Bruce's absence, leading us to question whether it's time for Ike to assume the role of No. 3 receiver.

Can Simms stay hot? Most fantasy owners assumed that Chris Simms' run as a starting quarterback would be short lived. After all, team officials didn't show much confidence in the third-year signal caller when they raced out and acquired Tim Rattay after Brian Griese suffered a season-ending injury. Phil's kid looked slightly better than expected in his first two starts when he topped 250 passing yards and tossed a touchdown pass in each contest. However, Simms got the fantasy world buzzing when he passed for 279 yards and three touchdowns in a come from behind victory over a strong Redskins defense last week. Sunday's road game against the Falcons should tell us a lot about what to expect from Simms the rest of the way.

Week 11 Fantasy Matchups - What happens if the Bears take away Smith? Everyone is talking about how the Bears have only faced one top offense this season. What everyone seems to be ignoring is that the Panthers have only played one top defense this season. Granted, the Panthers beat up on the Buccaneers back in week nine when Steve Smith had five receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown. However, Lovie Smith's defense has been outstanding this year and will enter this contest looking to shut down Smith. Other teams have managed to do that this season, but the Panthers still managed to win thanks to their ground game. The Bears have only allowed two rushing touchdowns all season, so we're not expecting much from Stephen Davis. It will be interesting to see if Jake Delhomme can find his other wideouts if the Bears take away Smith and keep the ground attack in check.

McMahon in for McNabb: Sure, most people considered Mike McMahon an upgrade over Joey Harrington whenever he'd got the starting nod in Detroit. Then again, 60 year-old pro wrestling promoter Vince McMahon would probably be an upgrade over Harrington. There's no way to put a positive spin on this for the Eagles. They lost Terrell Owens and Donovan McNabb recently, and the switch to McMahon can't bode well for fantasy owners who have L.J. Smith, Reggie Brown, and Greg Lewis on their rosters.

 

Week 11 Fantasy Matchups - Warner's homecoming of sorts: Kurt Warner will make his not-so-triumphant return to the Edward Jones Dome on Sunday for the first time since the Rams unceremoniously released him. The bad news is that Kurt has been playing like a washed-up quarterback since he left St. Louis. The good news for Warner is that the Rams secondary has looked even worse than his wife's haircut this season. Speaking of Brenda, here's hoping that FOX won't go into flashback mode by showing countless shots of her sitting in the crowd like they did back in the Greatest Show on Turf days.

Week 11 Fantasy Matchups - Moss vs. Moss: We'll definitely be watching to see if Randy Moss sticks around for a full four quarters. After all, the moody wideout bailed out early on the Vikings when they traveled to Washington in week 17 last year, setting the stage for his trade to Oakland. Assuming he sticks around, Randy will be competing for the title of best Moss on the field. After all, Santana Moss (no relation) has more receptions, yards, and the same number of touchdowns as Randy this season. Granted, Randy has been nursing a rib injury, but there's no denying that Santana is having a terrific season.

Whatever happened to Gonzo? Tony Gonzalez has more receptions than all but one tight end this season. However, seven tight ends have more receiving yards than Gonzo, and 23 tight ends have scored more touchdowns. Could a matchup with the Texans be just what the doctor order for Gonzalez?

Week 11 Fantasy Matchups - Brett's final home appearance on MNF? It could be an emotional night in the broadcast booth for Al Michaels and John Madden given the possibility that this will be the last time they see Brett Favre play a Monday night game at Lambeau Field. Favre has a history of shredding the Minnesota pass defense, just as Madden has a history of fawning over Favre as if he's some type of deity. We'll never forget the time that Madden quipped that if aliens were to land on Earth and wanted to see a football player, Favre is the person he would introduce them to. Yeah, John, and if aliens asked us to show them an example of an awkward man-crush, we'd introduce them to you and Brett.

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