17.08

The Philadelphia Eagles are already vulnerable to competent pass-catching tight ends. They've been searching for a solution to this, among other problems, from their nickel linebacker spot. Keenan Clayton will get that shot this weekend, but his first assignment is emerging New York Giants weapon Jake Ballard, who's Eli Manning's new Kevin Boss. Ballard looks like a promising fantasy play. - Tim Heaney

17.02

Could Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's (ankle) absence rectify the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary problems? It locks Nnamdi Asomugha into his side across from Asante Samuel, with Joselio Hanson sliding into the slot corner role. Nnamdi's use has been curious all season at the hands of rookie defensive coordinator Juan Castillo. This would benefit Asomugha and Samuel by letting them play their natural styles. Their matchup with the New York Giants' Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham will be a big test; Nicks will probably draw Asomugha most of the time, but though it's difficult, it's hardly the death knell that it was when Nnamdi was in the Bay Area. - Tim Heaney

16.56

DeSean Jackson had missed part of a meeting several weeks ago and has been moping around due to his contract dispute. It all built up to his missed meeting last Saturday; because it was a special teams meeting before a game that was crucial to the Philadelphia Eagles' playoff hopes, it showed that his priority wasn't football. He might be involved a bit more this week with Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) likely inactive; New York Giants CB Corey Webster sometimes has issues with smaller, speedier wideouts. But D-Jax isn't not doing himself any favors in having a future with the Iggles. - Tim Heaney

16.53

With Jeremy Maclin (shoulder) unlikely to play this weekend, the Philadelphia Eagles will slide Riley Cooper into his spot, leaving Jason Avant in the slot where he's more effective. Cooper has good hands and can be physical, but he hasn't shown much in limited chances this year. Steve E. Smith was heavily involved last week but with some boneheaded miscues showed why our insider thought he was "a dog." Avant is the best play out of these three for fantasy purposes; maybe Vince Young will lean on him on short routes. - Tim Heaney

16.51

Expect a big workload for LeSean McCoy with the Philadelphia Eagles likely to be without Michael Vick (ribs). New York Giants LB Michael Boley (hamstring) is likely to miss Week 11, and Philly will run heavily in that direction while encountering some sort of rotation of backup linebackers. Shady should run wild, even if New York stacks the box to force Vince Young to make plays. - Tim Heaney

16.48

Michael Vick (ribs) is listed as questionable and in all likelihood won't play; he still might be listed as the QB3 just to hand the ball off if both Vince Young and Mike Kafka go down. Still, VY will direct the offense on the opening snaps. From there? A run-heavy affair, with some deep balls mixed in - and the possibility that Kafka could enter if Philly needs a more effective downfield push. Young is a risky fantasy start considering his lack of proficiency in this offense. - Tim Heaney

16.47

Tyler Palko hardly offers much aerial hope for the Matt Cassel-less Kansas City Chiefs. But remember when Matt Flynn filled in for the Green Bay Packers versus the New England Patriots last year? He excelled in the short passing game. Palko might do something similar, especially against New England's weak secondary; he has enough weapons, including Dwayne Bowe, to get the ball to in open space. Antwaun Molden and Phillip Adams were street free agents not too long ago. - Tim Heaney

16.44

Why has Aaron Hernandez's production tailed off? His snap count hasn't. Our New England Patriots whisperer speculated that Hernandez's knee could still be bothering him. He's not listed on the injury report, but can we say the New England Patriots, or any other team, lists every ailment? Maybe he's having trouble getting open and adjusting to defenses; he had similar erratic performances in his rookie season. Of course, Rob Gronkowski's recent tear might have something to do with it, too. The talented Hernandez is still worth owning and starting - and buying low - in fantasy setups. - Tim Heaney

16.10

The Jaguars sit at 3-6 but have a winnable stretch of games coming up, including three matchups in a row at home. A strong late-season run could save head coach Jack Del Rio's job, as he would enter the 2012 season in the final year of his contract and have a full offseason to prepare Blaine Gabbert as the starting quarterback. Jacksonville could also bring in wide receiver help in the offseason. - Cory J. Bonini

16.00

Don't count on Jacksonville opening up the passing game the rest of this season. They have won two of their last three games with Blaine Gabbert passing for fewer than 120 yards in each game. As long as Maurice Jones-Drew has legs, the Jags will ride him hard. Gabbert has been inaccurate and has missed open receivers. Miscommunication has not been a problem for him, but his timing has been off. He has not been able to establish a rhythm with his pedestrian receiving corps. - Cory J. Bonini

15.53

Greg Little (Cleveland Browns) has a legit chance to continue the momentum he showed in catching all six of his Week 10 targets versus a Jacksonville Jaguars squad that's missing CB Rashean Mathis (knee) for the rest of the season. - Tim Heaney

15.35

In reference to the report that Tulane had interest in him, Green Bay Packers OC Joe Philbin expressed his satisfaction with his position in the NFL. And why not? The Pack may have a dynasty on their hands. But what if he were to leave? Green Bay might experience a bit of a drop-off, particularly in the O-line department, where he gets his hands dirty. - Nicholas Minnix

15.26

Owners of the Green Bay Packers' defense should take some delight in this tidbit: Expect to see more of the aggressive approach that the unit took against recent opponents like the San Diego Chargers and Minnesota Vikings. The Pack blitzed more than 50 percent of the time against each of those teams and achieved favorable results on a large portion of those calls. This fantasy DST has been pretty solid so far; it could be a difference-maker in the second half. - Nicholas Minnix

15.22

Cam Newton owners might have missed the sell-high window. The Detroit Lions have had success by dispatching Stephen Tulloch as a spy on both Josh Freeman and Tim Tebow (pre-commitment to the spread option attack) this season. They're well-versed in stopping the QB run. Expect more of the same against the Carolina Panthers, making Newton a somewhat risky start. - Nicholas Minnix

15.17

Kevin Smith's stock is slowly on the rise, but how close is the ceiling? He's not a bad pickup as an RB5 or RB6. The Detroit Lions have moved Maurice Morris into a more prominent special-teams role this year, so the staff is wary of overexposing him. Smith gives them options, but Morris is the player they trust. Regardless, this team, with playoff prospects, will keep the door open for Jahvid Best (concussion) to return, if he can. - Nicholas Minnix

15.15

This week, Kevin Smith, who has moved ahead of Keiland Williams in the batting order (except near the goal line), has worked with the first team some. Maurice Morris remains the starter while Jahvid Best (concussion) is out, however. Morris should lead the Detroit Lions' backs in opportunities in Week 11, followed by Smith, with some scraps for Williams. With a matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Morris isn't a bad flex player, and maybe even Smith, if you're desperate. - Nicholas Minnix

15.04

Come on, Matthew Stafford, the wind? Was the sun in your eyes, too? His fractured finger was definitely an issue for him against the Chicago Bears last week. Although he hasn't been under duress at practice, the Detroit Lions' QB has looked much better this week. He's had two weeks to get used to throwing with this hindrance, and it's in much better condition. Fantasy gamers shouldn't be too concerned about starting Stafford. - Nicholas Minnix

14.41

Roddy White has asked the Atlanta Falcons' coaching staff to put him in motion more often, to find ways to get him more involved. No specifics, but he'll be all over the place in some of the offense's alignments beginning this Sunday. Keep eyes peeled for evidence that White, in the second half, will more so resemble the fantasy football player you drafted. - Nicholas Minnix

14.40

Though the Jacksonville Jaguars' Marcedes Lewis has been an overall bust, his physical advantage over Cleveland Browns defenders - linebackers Chris Gocong and Scott Fujita and safety Usama Young - could allow him to break through this week. He's still a large fantasy risk given his dormant passing offense. - Tim Heaney

14.39

Joe Haden slipped early on against Brandon Lloyd last week, allowing him to give a double move on a touchdown grab near the goal line. But the Cleveland Browns cornerback adjusted and became more aggressive in his man coverage versus the St. Louis Rams' No. 1. This has been a breakthrough season for the young CB, who's now a rough fantasy matchup for wideouts. - Tim Heaney

14.38

Colt McCoy has struggled with fumbles, shaky accuracy and leaving the pocket prematurely, but the ball looks a little better coming out of his hand, especially with his increased arm strength. The Cleveland Browns' offense has suffered following the lockout-shortened camp, though. The timing necessary to efficiently run this West Coast offense isn't up to speed yet. There's optimism for McCoy's future, but not enough to bank on him this season in most fantasy leagues. - Tim Heaney

14.37

Even if the questionable Montario Hardesty (calf) suits up, he'll probably just get only one-third of the carries, the workload the Cleveland Browns would give to Thomas Clayton in his supplementary role to starter Chris Ogbonnaya. The Browns don't want to push the injury-prone Hardesty. - Tim Heaney

14.36

Julio Jones' recent hamstring woes have allowed Harry Douglas to shine, particularly in Week 10 (eight catches, 133 yards). Has he re-emerged as the player the Atlanta Falcons thought he could be a year or two ago? Not quite yet. But when everyone is healthy, he should clearly remain the choice in three-receiver sets and has retention value in single-year fantasy football leagues as a depth player. - Nicholas Minnix

14.16

The Seahawks have been successful pounding Marshawn Lynch in the last month, so this weekend's matchup against the league's worst run defense should be a walk in the park, right? Not so fast. The St. Louis Rams have done a good job in the past few weeks against the run and will not be afraid of Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) beating them through the air. Committing extra bodies to stop Lynch will be their game plan, and Seattle is without right tackle James Carpenter (knee). Lynch owners should temper their expectations for this divisional tilt. - Cory J. Bonini

14.03

The Rams will need to find a receiving option to help take extra coverage away from Brandon Lloyd in order for him to finish the season as well as he is capable of. Lance Kendricks (foot) could be worked in more this week with Danario Alexander (hamstring) not expected to play, and the rookie tight end may wind up a staple in the passing game if no one else challenges him for receptions. Mark Clayton is working his way back into the mix and should see more work this week after a nine-play debut in Week 10. He has looked quick and is in game shape. - Cory J. Bonini

13.18

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman will follow Vincent Jackson around the field all day and, with the aid of Chicago's Tampa 2 coverage, should do a fine job of holding V-Jax in check. They will aim to eliminate the big play. Jackson owners may want to consider other options in Week 11. - Cory J. Bonini

13.15

Chicago's starting left guard Chris Williams (wrist) will miss the rest of the season, which is unfortunate for a team whose offensive line cohesion was at its peak. Edwin Williams will replace him in the lineup; he is not as athletic but is a compact, powerful blocker. Chicago probably will not change their game plan, which includes a heavy dose of outside rushes that require the guards to pull. - Cory J. Bonini

12.58

With their injury list piling up, the Washington Redskins cut down on practice time this week because they didn't want their healthy bodies to join their ample dinged players on the sidelines. Their dwindling depth is just one of the many things wrong in DC this year. - Tim Heaney

12.57

Though Tashard Choice will be suiting up against the Dallas Cowboys, his former club, in Week 11, the Washington Redskins seemed more intent on picking his brain about his former team's tendencies than they have in guaranteeing a workload for him. Then again, this is a Mike Shanahan backfield we're talking about, with his whims and game pace keeping Choice, Roy Helu Jr. and Ryan Torain in flux. Choice is worth a deep flex play if you're hurting during the bye week, but it reeks of last resort. - Tim Heaney

12.56

The Washington Redskins' receiving pecking order resulting from their latest crop of injuries: tight end Fred Davis, followed by wideouts Jabar Gaffney, Anthony Armstrong, Terrence Austin and David Anderson. Last week's game pace ballooned Anderson's playing time; don't take it as a sign of fantasy value. Washington will probably give Austin another shot in the slot, but there isn't much consistency to be had outside of Davis, regardless of who's taking snaps. - Tim Heaney