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Week Eleven: Fantasy Focus on the Cowboys

If the Dallas offensive line can buy Tony Romo some time this week, he should be able to put up some solid fantasy numbers.

More photos » Mike Roemer - AP

If the Dallas offensive line can buy Tony Romo some time this week, he should be able to put up some solid fantasy numbers.

It's Saturday, so it's time to talk some fantasy football! Not only is this a huge week for the Cowboys as they host the rival Redskins, but it is also an enormously important week for fantasy football.

Bye weeks are over, many of us may be smelling fantasy playoffs, and next week is the trade deadline for many leagues.

Make the jump for the Week 11 Fantasy Focus.

Star-divide

QB Tony Romo - Romo owners found some relief last week when the Dallas quarterback refused to let the team be shut out. His garbage-time TD pass to Roy Williams helped to ease the pain of having the Packers' defense completely dictate the day. It was just one of those games for the Cowboys' offense. If a receiver was open, Romo just barely missed him. If he was on target, the ball would be dropped or a Packers' defender would make a better play on it. Nevertheless, offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, stuck with his QB and his aggressive style of play-calling. That should show you that the Cowboys have a ton of faith in their signal caller.

This week, Romo and company are up against the NFL's number one pass defense in the Redskins. The argument can be made that the 162.7 YPG they are giving up in that department is a result of playing a weak schedule. Against the Broncos last week, some huge plays were given up to Kyle Orton and Brandon Marshall. Romo and his WRs will look to exploit the same weaknesses, although it is unclear whether CB Carlos Rodgers will be benched in favor of Fred Smoot.

After being dominated by the Packers' blitzers, look for the Cowboys' offense to regroup and get back to basics. Romo and Garrett should then be able to find gaps and create mismatches in the overrated Redskins' secondary.

RBs Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice - 5 carries for 26 yards for Barber last week. Nobody is happy with those numbers. When he did have the ball, he looked strong running it. He should have at least double the amount of carries this week. The Cowboys can still pull him out for pass-protection because of his thumb, but the fracture only looks to bother him there.

Felix Jones looks a mere shadow of his explosive-self since injuring his knee in Week 3. It's a bit of a mystery each week on how much the team will use him. He did see a good amount of action against the Packers, but the game was such that the RBs totalled only 11 carries with Felix getting 3 of those. It would be best to take a wait-and-see approach with him.

Tashard Choice is being integrated more into the offense through the "Razorback" formation, as well as his 3rd-down duties. His fantasy success depends so greatly on Barber and Jones that it's tough to predict how much of an impact he will have. Until the Cowboys get their running game back on track, sit him if you have a better option.

WRs Miles Austin - Austin owners now have a tough decision. He's been exposed to the league, so defenses focus on taking him out of the Dallas gameplan. It worked in Philly, until he busted out for a 49-yard TD catch and run. He was held in check last week, catching 4 for just 20. The targets are there and will continue to be since Romo is so comfortable with him. And, if you look at what Marshall did against the 'Skins last week, Austin should be able to have a big game.

Roy Williams - When defenses take away Austin, that leaves Romo to go to Williams. Although RW did have some boo-boos last week, he had a solid fantasy game, catching 5 for 105 with a score. Couple that with the 5 for 75 he caught the prior week, and he's beginning to look like a decent WR again. If he could get rid of the dropsies, he could have some huge games for owners. By doing so, he would also receive more targets from Romo.

This week, he will be going up against DeAngelo Hall. The Cowboys have picked on him in the past with success; expect them to continue to do so.

TEs Jason Witten - It feels like every week I write, "Witten is still looking for the end zone, and this should be the game he finds it." He almost had a TD late last week, but the pass was behind him. 5 catches for 47 yards is nothing to get excited about for Witten owners. Considering Romo rarely had time to pass, Witten still snagged roughly 20% of his passing yards.

You know he's gonna get his targets, and you know he's not going to get you zero points. Stick with him unless you have a better option. He's gotta come up big soon, right?

Cowboys D/ST - Steady as they go...this unit continues to improve week-to-week. By sacking Aaron Rodgers four times last week and holding him to under 200 yards passing, the Dallas defense jumped from ranking 20th in the league to 16th. It is in the top-10 in points allowed (18.8 PPG) and rushing yards allowed (103.1 YPG).

This week, Big D's defense will face an improved Redskins' ground game that now features RB Ladell Betts. The matchup should bode well for Dallas as SOLB Anthony Spencer is coming off one of his best games and the defensive line has continued to limit running opportunities. The secondary is a bit banged-up and will be missing starting FS Ken Hamlin. Converted CB, Alan Ball, will take his place and is considered to be a good cover safety. With the pass rush always a threat, the DBs should be able to take advantage by luring QB Jason Campbell into throwing a pick or two.

K Nick Folk - Holder Mat McBriar took the blame for Folk's miss last week. He's just 14 for 18 on the year, which is uncharacteristic of him.

After ten weeks of fantasy footballing on FleaFlicker, the BTB and BTB Part Deux fantasy leagues are racing to the finish line. In the BTB league, The Speed of Dark has taken the lead with a 7-3 record (some major parity in that league). Here's how both leagues are shaping up:

 

The Mighty is Back to Winning (9-1)

kill everbody

Where the Cowboys are Headed (7-3)

Maui Paniolo Boyz
The Speed of Dark
StarBoys
Paper Cranes

Heated Competitors (6-4)

WheresWare?
BigRigga31's Team
Static
Dillababies
Dallas Destroyers

The  .500s  (5-5)

Quincyyyyy
Official Spoiler
BTBfantasyCHAMPS
Flashlights
Doomsday Redux
Second Chance
Felix Jones At Every Position
Reykjavik Roughnecks

A Must Win this Week? (4-6)

Apes
The Doomsday Defense Reborn
NameBrandj

Triple Crown Members (3-7)

No Doubter
Brady's a b!tch

Deuces Are Wild (2-8)

high505

My Team Sucks

One is the Loneliest Number (1-5)

Damage,Inc.

If you've got a fantasy dilemma, post it here for the BTB community to discuss. As always, feel free to jump in with other Cowboys/football related discourse even if you don't play FF.

Remember, for all your fantasy football needs, SBNation's fantasy webpage is chock full of live updates to help you set up your team from week-to-week.

For your convenience, here's the link: sbnation.com/fantasy.

0 recs  |  Comment 46 comments |

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Moss always seems to burn us, so I would figure the Cowboys would key on him.

Maybe it will be different from now on with Jenkins and Sensabaugh here. I dropped Moss earlier in the year because he’s so inconsistent fantasy-wise.

I’m a homer and a big fan of Kevin Walter, so I’d go with him. Jacoby Jones is questionable with a calf injury, so that can put Walter in the spotlight even more. Plus, they play on MNF, which always gives you one more day of hope if you’re a wee bit behind.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

didnt know that

about Jones … that makes my mind up! It’s Kevin Walter time!

by what_the_crap on Nov 21, 2009 4:17 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Did you read this on Moss from ESPN?
Champ Bailey bottled him up last week, and now Moss has to tangle with a Cowboys secondary that held the Eagles’ and Packers’ wide receivers in check in each of the past two weeks. This defense knows what’s coming if the ball is thrown deep; expect Moss to go quiet yet again.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Walter

They’re close, but being a PPR I might go with Walter. Moss is just so long-play dependent and feast-or-famine that he’s not reliable in a PPR, especially with their depleted online and against Dallas’s improving pass rush and secondary. Last week he had only 4 targets and 2 catches for 8 yards.

TEN’s secondary is improved from the fantasy goldmine they were for WRs earlier in the season, but still Schaub should be able to put up nice yards against them, and Walter will be stepping up to help fill the hole left by Daniels over the middle. Last week he had his best game since week 3.

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 4:18 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Plus, Tennessee and Houston are both high-scoring teams.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:20 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

RB quandry

Slaton vs TENN
Jamal Charles vs PITT
Felix
Justin Forsett @ MINN
McFadden vs CINCI

I’ve got Slaton in, but am wanting to play Forsett. If it wasn’t against the Vikings at home I’d be more sure. What to do…what to do…

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:17 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

...and I'm starting Forte against Philly in the SNF game.

He at least catches tons of catches now.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:22 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Slaton

Latest news is Kubiak says Slaton is starting. PIT and MIN are 1st and 2nd least FPs allowed to opposing RBs, while TEN is middle of the pack (16th). Meanwhile McF and Felix are both part of 3-way time shares that mean very limited/unpredictable touches.

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 4:24 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

YES!

Great stuff…thanks Scott! I’ve been waiting to hear good news on him. Slaton is so much fun to watch since I’ve had him for two years now and thinking about franchising him. It’s been a bummer seeing him on the bench so much.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:38 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I've been

wanting to start Forsett to! But I’m going to go with Moreno instead.

by what_the_crap on Nov 21, 2009 4:43 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Forsett is a great pickup

but not a good start until next weak vs. STL

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 4:57 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

KFFL Insider

If you guys aren’t aware of this, I recommend checking out KFFL Insider every Saturday, they give some good inside tips and last-minute items that can sometimes give that little extra insight to help make a decision one way or another…

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 4:29 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

for example, on Slaton...
Our source felt Steve Slaton would be back starting for the Houston Texans this weekend. Check out Hot off the Wire tomorrow for the final scoop. Slaton will receive the bulk of the workload;

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

of course Kubiak did come out and name Slaton the starter, but that “bulk of the workload” is music to fantasy ears lol

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

ESPN quotes Slation...
Slaton will start at running back Monday against Tennessee, the Houston Chronicle reports. “I had an assumption that I would start, but nothing was concrete until now,” Slaton said. “I’m happy about it. It’s an opportunity I have to take full advantage of.”

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Nice.

I always forget about that site.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:40 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Plus, that blond is rather easy on the eyes...lol.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:42 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

lol

bonus looker!

do you ever watch the “NBC FANTASY FIX” on RotoWorld Sunday mornings? There are so many pre-game fantasy shows to choose from, but man, Tiffany Simon… doesn’t get any easier on the eyes!

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

No, but I will!

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 5:08 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

2 questions....

after losing ronnie brown for the rest of the year, who would you go with between mendenhall and mccoy? and also pick 2 recievers….housh, jennings, harvin and coles? thanks for the help

by Hoot10 on Nov 21, 2009 7:08 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Mendenhall

he’s definitely an RB1 this week vs. KC (8th in FPs allowed to RBs), and the Steelers could easily get a nice lead and close out the game with him on the ground.

With McCoy, he’s a RB2 this week. Chicago is a middling defense against RBs (18th in FBs allowed) and Philly just passes so much you can’t count on him getting that many touches even though he does catch some passes too.

I’m not quite sure on your receivers, but my first thought would be Housh and Jennings.

by scottmaui on Nov 21, 2009 7:34 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Gosh, I like McCoy but, as maui says, Mendenhall would be the better play this week.

For WRs, I’d go in the order you listed them.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 9:37 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

RB Dilemma

I have MJD and will start him. I also had Ronnie Brown and still have Cedric Benson, who is likely out this week. I picked up Jason Snelling and Ladell Betts to get me through this week, and Bernard Scott is still available. Anybody got a suggestion for who to choose between Snelling, Betts, or Scott? I prefer not to use Betts since he is against Dallas this week.

by doomsdayreturns on Nov 21, 2009 10:31 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Against Oakland, this would be a great week to go with B. Scott.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 21, 2009 10:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I have Witten on my fantasy team and have been starting him all season but I just can’t take his low point totals every week. I’m finally benching him this week in favor of Winslow. He didn’t do much early but has seemed to find a match with Freeman and has been getting red zone targets.

by jack dein on Nov 22, 2009 12:23 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

I did the same thing and started Winslow.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 22, 2009 9:04 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

"if you have a better option"

btw Aaron, this isn’t directed at you because I hear it all the time in fantasy shows and articles, but it always cracks me up me when people say “sit him if you have a better option”… like, duh, no, I’m gonna play him even if I have a better option! lol. it’s sort of the definition of self-evident. i know what the idea behind it is, but something like “if you have another decent option” kind of makes more sense…

by scottmaui on Nov 22, 2009 12:25 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

How bout "if you have an EQUAL option"?

Like every week I struggle with whether to play Favre or Romo. But, some people may have Romo and say…Cassel. I can’t say to sit Romo because he will almost always outperform Cassel. Also, sometimes this analysis goes up on the SBFantasy Friday updates page, so people other than BTBers read it. For that, I try to stay objective, fantasy-wise.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 22, 2009 9:08 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I struck gold last week in my money league

I have McCoy and Ricky Williams.

I pretty much had portis and 5 number 2s (Felix, Wells and Stewart also). I’ve always been a fan of drafting wrs early and taking flyers on rbs in two back systems (most of the nfl has these systems and the last two years, many top rbs have struggled).

by foyesboys on Nov 22, 2009 12:49 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

wells has a really nice ff playoff schedule

and could be getting an increasing share of the carries as the weeks go by

by scottmaui on Nov 22, 2009 12:57 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I read an article on Beanie about three weeks ago, so I picked him up.

Started him the last two weeks and he’s been great. Felix is pretty much a dud and M.Turner is now hurt so I’m glad I grabbed the Beanster.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 22, 2009 9:09 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Slaton or Grant?

I’m leaning towards Slaton.

Also Colts or 49ers D?

The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!

by aussie_cowboy on Nov 22, 2009 3:26 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

Also GO Speed of Dark :)

The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!

by aussie_cowboy on Nov 22, 2009 7:42 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You should send a thank-you card to Cutler.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 22, 2009 9:12 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Only after I finish sending hate mail to Burleson

for going catchless

The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!

by aussie_cowboy on Nov 22, 2009 9:46 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I may regret it, but I'm benching Cutler this week out of spite.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 22, 2009 10:01 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

For Sanchez against the Colts?

Thats risky

The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!

by aussie_cowboy on Nov 22, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

No, I picked up David Garrard against the Bills.

Mr. Interception Jarius Byrd has a tweaked groin, so he may not play for Buff.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 22, 2009 10:15 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Forgot you had him

But I think I would still prefer Cutler

The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!

by aussie_cowboy on Nov 22, 2009 10:17 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a huuuuuuuuuuge Slaton fan and I hate the Pack.

Plus, that MNF game could very well end up Chris Johnson vs. Steve Slaton. I’m picturing that Titans/Jags game when CJ and MJD kept trading long TD runs.

The 49ers D is the best run defense in the NFC. That should hurt Grant. Also, they should be able to get some sacks on Rodgers.

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles and miles...

by Aaron Novinger on Nov 22, 2009 9:12 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Haynesworth is out

from a fantasy perspective, upgrade Cowboys RBs :o)

by scottmaui on Nov 22, 2009 11:05 AM CST reply actions   0 recs

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