Don't look now but the fantasy playoffs are around the corner. With each week bringing them closer and closer, these last few weeks are going to be vital to just about everyone. It doesn't matter if you are the best in your league or just borderline, the right moves now can make the difference.
That being said, make sure you keep an eye on matchups and injuries when setting your lineup or scouting free agents. Both could be the difference between winning and losing.
Now, with the obvious out of the way, here's my love-hate for week 11.
James LeBeau is an avid fantasy sports participant and a sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on twitter @Jlebeau76 or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
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Week 11 Love-Hate
Andre Brown RB – New York Giants
The New York Giants have been a team looking for an identity all season. Quarterback Eli Manning has struggled and the running game has been a joke. While Brown can't do much about Eli, he can continue to improve the Giants rushing attack. In his first game back from injury he carried the rock 30 times for 115 yards and a touchdown in the Giants win. With Green Bay on the horizon in week 11, expect New York to continue to feed Brown leading to another solid week.
LOVE
Ben Roethlisberger QB – Pittsburgh
As a Steelers fan, I can safely say this season has been less than ideal (understatement much?). That being said, Roethlisberger remains a guy that can put up numbers if the matchup is right. With the Steelers facing the Detroit Lions this week, expect stats similar to the 400 yards and four touchdowns he put up against New England as Detroit is also a high powered offense.
LOVE
Peyton Manning QB – Denver
Yes, before you say a word here, I understand that under no circumstances short of death or dismemberment would you bench Manning. BUT, this week, he has a minor question mark next to his potential. The Broncos and their juggernaut offense face their stiffest test of the year when they play the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have arguably the toughest defense in the league and to add insult to injury (or injury to insult in this case) Peyton will be facing them on injured ankles. While Peyton is sure to get his numbers, don't look for him to have his usual lights out game.
HATE
Riley Cooper WR – Philadelphia
Cooper is on fire. Over the past two games Cooper has been awesome, scoring five of the seven touchdowns he's had this season. A large part of this success has been having Nick Foles under center. With Foles at QB , Cooper has averaged 4.5 catches for 112.3 yards with six touchdowns. With the Eagles playing the Washington Redskins and with Foles starting, expect big numbers out of Cooper this week.
LOVE
Stevan Ridley RB – New England
The New England Patriots face one of the hottest and more physical teams in the NFL this week in the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been brutal to running backs this season, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs at 12.6. Also, the Panthers have not allowed a rushing touchdown since week five. Add all this up and you have a bad matchup for Stevan Ridley.
HATE
T.Y. Hilton WR – Indianapolis Colts
Like Ridley, Hilton faces a terrible matchup when the Colts go up against the Tennessee Titans this week. The Titans have gorged themselves on opposing wideouts this season, allowing the second fewest fantasy points per game to them (13.1). Also, the last time a wide receiver scored on the Titans was way back in week two. Like Ridley, when you add this up it doesn't look to be a promising week for Hilton.
HATE