Compared to recent weeks, there is probably not a whole lot available on the fantasy waiver wire in your leagues heading into Week 11. There were very few breakout performances in Week 10 and not many injuries, but that doesn’t mean valuable pieces can’t be found. In addition to the players we told you to keep an eye on when Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Mike James went down on Monday night, here are some other players to consider for Week 11.
Rishard Matthews, WR, Dolphins: We can almost guaranteed that Matthews’ 11/120/2 game against Tampa Bay on Monday night will be his best of the season. That doesn’t mean he won’t have some WR3 value going forward, especially in PPR leagues. After catching just five passes in the first six games of the season, Matthews has clearly developed some chemistry with Ryan Tannehill. He has 16 catches on 24 targets in the past three weeks. He has also received a bump since Brandon Gibson went down with an injury. We don’t expect him to light it up by any means, but you could do worse for receiver depth.
Bernard Pierce, RB, Ravens: Pierce is already owned in many leagues as a handcuff to Ray Rice. The Ravens’ run game is an absolute mess. Rice has been completely ineffective in recent weeks, which could be the result of a lingering hip issue and is certainly the result of poor offensive line play. John Harbaugh told reporters this week that the team is planing to go with a “hot hand” approach going forward. That could mean Pierce is in for more carries if he can provide a spark. The Ravens can only be so loyal to Rice if he is not getting the job done, making Pierce worth an add.
Case Keenum, QB, Texans: Keenum may only be two years removed from college, but that does not mean he lacks common sense. Since taking over for Matt Schaub a few weeks ago, Keenum has taken full advantage of the monster that is Andre Johnson. He has thrown seven touchdowns and no interceptions over the past three games. Johnson has caught five of them after being held out of the end zone through the first seven games of the season. Keenum makes plays on the run and gets the ball to his playmakers. With back-to-back matchups at home coming against the Raiders and Jaguars, he should continue to put up solid fantasy numbers. Aaron Rodgers owners should look no further.
Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots: We mentioned that you should pick up Vereen a couple weeks ago, but we’re reminding you again since he is eligible to come off short-term IR this week. Vereen has been practicing and should give the Patriots’ offense another valuable weapon when he returns to game action. For whatever reason, Bill Belichick refuses to stick with Stevan Ridley for extended periods of time. Expect that trend to continue when Vereen comes back.
Percy Harvin, WR, Seahawks: There’s a good chance someone has picked up Harvin in your league already, but if not you need to get on that — fast. The Seahawks are dying for a reliable weapon in the passing game and Harvin should give them just that. He is expected to return this weekend and should immediately see a significant amount of targets. If Seattle can get him the ball in space the way the Vikings were able to, he has the potential to be the type of difference-maker that can win fantasy championships.
Until next week, good luck people. Hope you’re still in the hunt.
