Fantasy Football Report: Week 11

By - Tim Swift

Here's what you need to know heading into Week 11.

1. Another MVP for Peyton?

Photo by: Bob Donnan

Okay, I don't think many people saw this coming. After missing the entire 2011 season with a severe neck injury, Peyton Manning has put himself square in the middle of the MVP discussion. He has tossed 21 TDs against just 6 INTs, and is completing 70% of his passes. Pretty incredible for a guy whose career was on the brink of ending a year ago. In most fantasy formats, Manning is sitting third overall in points for quarterbacks, trailing only Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Great value considering Peyton was being valued anywhere from the 4th to 7th rounds in most mock drafts during the summer. It could only get better for Manning down the stretch, with games against Tampa Bay, Oakland, Cleveland and Kansas City.

2. Arian Foster is a touchdown machine.

The 4th-year running back from the University of Tennessee is on a pretty remarkable scoring streak dating back to last season. The last time Foster didn't reach the end zone in a game that he started was Week 14 of last year. That includes 3 scores in the postseason. Your 1st-round pick should always be a sure thing, and Foster has been just that this season. His owners have also benefited from a very hobbled Ben Tate this year, so Foster hasn't had to share carries. He won't help much in the passing game (only 17 catches this season), but as long as he's scoring touchdowns every week, it really doesn't matter.

3. Ahh yes, I remember this Chris Johnson.

Johnson had fantasy owners ticked off through the first 3 weeks of the season, compiling a total of just 45 lousy yards. But since then, CJ has turned it on -- averaging 117 yards per game, and he's done it against some pretty good run defenses during the stretch. The way he has performed is even more impressive considering Tennessee's very uneven passing game and an offensive line that is average at best. The matchups are about to get even better for Johnson, with the Colts, Jags, and Jets all in the bottom third in run defense. He could approach 1,400 yards and 10 scores by season's end.

4. Megatron doesn't care about your "Madden Curse."

Despite dealing with possible nerve damage in his hands, concussion issues and knee soreness, Calvin Johnson turned in one of the best days for a wide receiver this season on Sunday, with 12 catches for 207 yards and a score. Megatron is still top 10 in most fantasy formats -- despite catching only his 2nd touchdown of the season Week 10. What makes Johnson so valuable despite the low TD numbers is that he's averaging over 10 targets a game, meaning he'll still produce solid numbers week-to-week.

5. Time to talk strategy with the bye weeks coming to an end.

This week marks the last of the bye weeks, so it's time to study your rosters with only a few weeks remaining in the fantasy season. At this point in the year, unless you have a truly elite fantasy D (Chicago, Houston, or San Francisco), you can switch defenses in and out depending on the matchup. Handcuffs for running backs are now useless, so if you're holding on to guys like Ben Tate, Michael Bush or Toby Gerhart -- get rid of them and find someone who is getting more touches. Also, if you're having WR issues, pay attention to the target numbers and use that as reference on who you should be playing week-to-week. One more thing; don't be the clown who is having a bad fantasy season and dumps all their good players or refuses to look at their lineup once they're out of the playoff hunt. There is no reward for tanking in fantasy football.

Solid Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups:

Nick Foles (QB), Russell Wilson (QB), Jacquizz Rodgers (RB), Laurent Robinson (WR)

The Underrated 15 For Week 11:

Quarterbacks:

1. Andy Dalton
2. Tony Romo
3. Matt Schaub

Running Backs:

1. Willis McGahee
2. Marcel Reese
3. C.J. Spiller

Wide Receivers:

1. Lance Moore
2. Darrius Heyward-Bey
3. Danny Amendola

Tight Ends:

1. Greg Olsen
2. Dennis Pitta
3. Brent Celek

Defense/Special Teams:

1. Washington
2. Atlanta
3. Cincinnati

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00-9:00, and on the Thom Abraham Show every Wednesday afternoon starting at 3:40 for even more Fantasy Football talk on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville.