Fantasy Update: Week Eleven

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With a handful of injuries striking fantasy starters, as well as a few signings and even a suspension in the NFL, I  will break down a list of fantasy news that you should be aware of.

Ronnie Brown’s Status in Jeopardy
The Miami Dolphins have ruled out RB Ronnie Brown for their upcoming Thursday game against the Carolina Panthers. He suffered a foot injury this past weekend, and has been seen hobbling on crutches. The leading rusher for Miami will have to sit on the sidelines, something that he is familiar with after he suffered a season ending ACL tear previously in his career.

Bleed Green’s Consideration at the RB position:
Ladell Betts, Washington Redskins: The Redskins’ typical starter–Clinton Portis–is still recovering from a concussion suffered two weeks ago. Betts got the start this past week against Denver (who has been one of the better defensive squads in the league) and ended up running for 114 yards and a touchdown. Head coach Jim Zorn has announced that if Portis is unable to practice this week, Betts will get the start again this weekend.

Sorry Eagles Fans…Westbrook Has Been Ruled Out
Once again, Brian Westbrook will be held out of the Eagles’ upcoming game due to a concussion. Unfortunately, this could cause Westbrook to miss the rest of the season depending on the outcome of his second concussion in recent weeks. What does this mean for the Eagles? Expect to see a lot more of the rookie LeSean McCoy, as well as more touches for the team’s new Fullback, Leonard Weaver. Westbrook’s absence now jumps McCoy’s fantasy value to a 2nd RB option in many leagues. Owners of McCoy should consider starting him this weekend against the Chicago Bears, who have not been as dominant on defense as they have been in previous years.

Larry Johnson Now Calls Cincinnati Home
After his surprising dismissal from the Kansas City Chiefs, L.J. has found a new home and is now officially a member of the AFC North division leader, the Cincinnati Bengals. Don’t expect him to just step in and get back to his old form of productivity, though. The Bengals have one of the best Running Backs this season in Cedric Benson, but Benson did suffer an injury this past weekend. The injury is not expected to keep him out of the Bengals’ upcoming game, and Johnson may not even suit up. In fantasy terms, Benson’s value is still the same and does not get affected with the arrival of Johnson. Don’t get fooled into signing Johnson off waivers, he may not even step on the field in the next two weeks.

Suspension Alert: Dwayne Bowe to Miss Four Games
Kansas City’s leading receiver has violated the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances, and will now be suspended for the next four games on the Chiefs’ schedule. Bowe will not be eligible to play until Week 15 against Cleveland . Fantasy owners of Bowe shouldn’t cut him immediately because he is still the Chiefs’ clear-cut best player, and he will resume play by the time most fantasy playoffs get underway.

Bleed Green’s Consideration for the WR position:
Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints: As we already know, Saints’ Quarterback Drew Brees loves to air it out, and loves to spread the wealth around. Meachem is available in most fantasy leagues, even though he has been a great option in recent weeks. This past week, Meachem had just 27 receiving yards, but managed to get 47 yards on the ground , as well as a touchdown. If you are not capable of signing Meachem, here are some other possibilities:

- Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles
- Chris Chambers , Kansas City Chiefs
- Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers

Other Minor Fantasy News

—The Baltimore Ravens have cut starting K Steven Hauschka. He has struggled all season to make field goals, including three missed attempts and a blocked extra point in the last four weeks. The Ravens have not announced who will kick, but young Graham Gano seems the most likely option, after being beat out by Hauschka in training camp. Fantasy owners of Hauschka should have no trouble finding a Kicker in their league’s free agency.

—Bills’ Quarterback Trent Edwards will no longer be the starter in Buffalo . Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over the role, but he has minimal fantasy value. The Bills may look to run the ball more often, giving RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson a boost in their fantasy value.