This week in our Fantasy Football feature we will be giving you some great recommendations on who’s hot and who’s not going into week 11 of the NFL season and we’ll be answering some of your questions from this week’s mailbag. Let’s begin with guys you need to start this week because they’re going to have great games:

QBs

Matt Schaub – Houston:  With only 3 TDs in his last 3 games some of you may be down on the Texan’s QB, but coming out of the bye with 2 weeks to prepare, expect Schaub to get back to his early season production with at least 300 yards and 2 Tds.  Adjusting to the loss of Owen Daniel will have been a key part of the work leading up to this game.  Don’t be overly impressed with the performance of the Titan’s secondary last week, it was the hapless Bills after all.

Aaron Rodgers – Packers: Like Schaub, Rodgers is looking for a bounce back performance this week and with the 49ers coming into Lambeau things are shaping up for just that kind of day.  The Cowboys gave Schaub and his inconsistent OLine all kinds of trouble last week and it affected his output.  No such problem this week as SanFran has one of the worst pass rushes in the league. Should be a really big day.

RBs

Brandon Jacobs – Giants: Fantasy owners have been frustrated by Jacobs all year and with just cause, but now is the time to start him (or even trade for him).  The Giants are desperate for a win and will have to go back to the winning formula from last year as Manning continues to struggle with his foot.  Co-ordinator Kevin Gilbride has no doubt had the riot act read to him this week to get the big man the ball. Expect 20 carries for Jacobs and his first 100 yard game of the season.

Rashard Mendenhall – Steelers: For those who haven’t noticed, Mendenhall is becoming a bigger and bigger part of the Steelers attack.  The Chiefs run defense is 27th in the league, so the big back out of Wisconsin should be able to exploit them.  Look for 120+ yards and at least 1 score as the Steelers run it up against KC.

WRs

Hines Ward – Steelers: Like a fine wine, Ward just keeps getting better.  Look for some great first half numbers as the Steelers try to hang a big number early on the Chiefs.

Sidney Rice – Vikings: Clearly Favre’s favorite target to this point in the season, look for Rice’s breakout year to continue against the Seahawks and their bottom-10 pass defense.  He had a great game last week and we can look for more of the same in week 11.

While some guys’ stock may be rising there are always those guys that need some time on the bench or even dumped into the waiver bin.  This week’s candidates:

QBs

Tony Romo – Dallas:  I don’t recommend giving up on Romo altogether, but if you’ve got another option this week take it.  The suddenly rejuvenated Redskins are the opponent and after their win last week against Denver, they are looking to salvage something from their season.  A win against the hated Cowboys would be just the thing. They lead the league in pass defense (albeit against mostly shaky competition) and they should be able to rattle Romo.  Expect another inconsistent week from the ex-Mr. Jessica Simpson.

Joe Flacco – Baltimore: Normally playing the Colts is an elixir for struggling QBs, but Indy’s secondary has been playing much better of late.  I love Flacco’s upside but he seems to be going through that dreaded “sophomore jinx”.  He’s likely to put up 230+ yards, but it’s going to take 40 pass attempts and 2 or 3 picks to get that.

RBs

Steve Slaton – Texans: Slaton has gone from a sure starter, to maybe not getting a sniff in your starting lineup.  His tendency to fumble has become a real concern and his backup Ryan Moats has put up some good numbers in reserve.  Kubiak has already shown his willingness to bench Slaton so owners beware.

Cedric Benson – Bengals: Benson has been a beast this year for Cincy so his inclusion on this list is strictly because of the injury concern this week.  He’s battling a “hip flexor” and if he’s not 100%, even Oakland’s porous run defense could slow him down.  Play it safe and wait for better things in the coming weeks.

WRs

Roy Williams – Dallas: Wow! People have been getting downright giddy about Roy Williams’ performance in the last couple of weeks and I’ve heard about some crazy transactions as guys try to get Mr. Inconsistent on their rosters.  Don’t believe the hype! This guy will drive you crazy with his athleticism and potential.  The ‘Skins shut him down again this week.

Nate Burleson – Seattle: Burleson has teased his owners with some good performances this year but showed again last week that quality corners can shut him down.  Putting him on the sell list this week is predicated on the fact that Antoine Winfield is healthy for Minnesota.  If Winfield starts, sit Burleson and vice-versa.
Mailbag

Each week we will answer your specific questions in our Mailbag section.  So keep sending your queries to vic@sportsruckus.net

From Chris in Orangeville: “I have to pick between Percy Harvin and Deshaun Jackson as a receiver this week, who should I go with?”

Well Chris, this week I think the answer is Jackson.  The Bears looked awful 2 weeks ago against the Cardinals and have given up more than 40 points twice in their last 4 games.  Look for Philly to do much the same this week, especially as shutdown corner Charles Tillman recovers from injury.

From Antonio in Vaughan: “I’ve got Moreno, Addai and the Eagle’s rookie McCoy and I can start 2 of them.  Who sits?”

Antonio, you must be in a very deep league if these are your RB options, but there is hope! With Westbrook out with his second concussion in 3 weeks, McCoy will continue to get a ton of touches so he is a must start.  For the other spot, this is strictly a match-up issue as Addai goes up against Baltimore, while Moreno looks to continue his good play of late against a very mediocre Chargers D.

See you next week and keep the questions coming!