Scott Engel of RotoExperts.com highlights some interesting numbers and key players as you prepare for Week 11 of the fantasy football season.
High times: These players have some positive statistics accompanying them into Week 11. Are the numbers a true reflection of what's ahead?
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Cincinnati
Stat: Gresham has scored in three of his past four games.
Analysis: Gresham is back in action and has become a go-to guy for Andy Dalton in the red zone. The Bengals face the Ravens, but Dalton has shown he is not intimidated in any matchup. Gresham is a viable start again, especially if you need to replace Jimmy Graham this week.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit
Stat: In his past eight home games, Stafford has three games with four or more TD passes.
Analysis: Without the real threat of a running game or complements to Calvin Johnson, the Lions offense has become predictable and often stagnant. Stafford should certainly rebound from his four-interception debacle last week, but only for respectable totals against Carolina. Don't expect an explosive rebound game.
Reggie Bush, RB, Miami
Stat: Bush aims for his third consecutive game with a TD.
Analysis: In his past three games, Bush is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He is running with a sense of urgency and has often shown a propensity for converting goal-line chances in the past. Buffalo has allowed 11 rushing scores, so roll with Bush again this week.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle
Stat: Lynch aims for this third consecutive game with 100-plus yards and a TD.
Analysis: The Seahawks lost two starters on the right side of their offensive line this week, yet both were rookies so there might not be a major drop-off in performance. Lynch faces the awful Rams run defense this week and should play very well again.
Earl Bennett, WR, Chicago
Stat: Bennett has three TDs in his past three November games.
Analysis:Jay Cutler has been taking shorter drops recently and looking more in Bennett's direction. He is a decent PPR start, but may start to draw more defensive attention very soon.
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons
Stat: Ryan is shooting for his fourth game in a row vs. the AFC with three or more TD passes.
Analysis: Tennessee ranks 15th against the pass and has allowed 14 TD passes. When the Titans are going bad, they can be vulnerable. If the Falcons get ahead early, Ryan could be in for a big day.
Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants
Stat: Cruz had three catches for 110 yards in his last meeting with the Eagles.
Analysis: Cruz has become a must-start fantasy WR, and looks like more of a complete pass-catcher every week. The Eagles have a highly-touted secondary, but expect Cruz to be up to the challenge.
Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
Stat: Davis had three catches for 96 yards a TD in his last meeting with the Cardinals.
Analysis: Davis could disappoint again this week. The San Francisco wide receivers still have enough talent to burn the Arizona secondary, while Davis continues to play a less integral role in the passing game.
Cool runnings: These players are looking to put some disappointing trends behind them in Week 11.
Stevie Johnson, WR, Buffalo
Stat: Johnson has scored once in his past five games.
Analysis: Johnson does not have a 100-yard game this year. He should no longer be considered a regular fantasy starter, and a shoulder injury further clouds his Week 11 outlook. Use another starter of equal or better value if you can.
Fred Davis, TE, Washington
Stat: Davis has one TD reception since Week 2.
Analysis: Injuries and lack of dynamic talents at WR have further weakened the Washington passing game. Davis is getting open less often and defenses do not have to fear the other pass-catchers. Keep Davis reserved in favor of more respectable TEs.
James Starks, RB, Green Bay
Stat: Starks is averaging 55.9 rushing yards per game in 2011.
Analysis: Tampa Bay's 29th-ranked run defense would seem like a tasty matchup for most RBs. Starks, however, is not the type to exploit any opponent right now, and the Packers will mostly throw the ball, regardless of opponent. Keep Starks reserved.
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Beanie Wells, RB, Arizona
Stat: Wells has averaged 34.3 rushing yards per game in his career vs. San Francisco.
Analysis: Wells is trying to play through a knee problem against the NFL's best rushing defense. Adequate fantasy totals would be a pleasant surprise this week.
Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego
Stat: In his only meeting with the Bears, Jackson caught three balls for 28 yards.
Analysis: This is exactly the kind of stat line Jackson's owners have to grown to fear. Against the Bears' 29th-ranked pass defense, though, you have to go with Jackson again, as he could come through with a big game at any time.
Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay
Stat: Freeman has thrown four TD passes and seven interceptions in his past three games.
Analysis: We take this opportunity to remind you that Green Bay leads the NFL with 17 interceptions. Freeman should not even be on fantasy rosters right now, and you can lock the Packers defense in this week.
Maurice Morris, RB, Detroit
Stat: Morris has not rushed for more than 58 yards in a game this season.
Analysis: Carolina allows 137.6 rushing yards per game, 28th in the NFL. Morris could be in for his best game of the year, as the Lions desperately need to establish some sort of ground game.
Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee
Stat: Washington has scored once and has not totaled more than 69 receiving yards in the past six games.
Analysis:Damian Williams has clearly passed Washington as the No. 1 playmaker in the passing game for the Titans. Do not hesitate to cut Washington if you need to make some room on your roster for another important pickup.
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