Fantasy Football 2014: Early Week 11 Waiver Wire Pickups, Add/Drop

For 60 minutes of game action on Sunday, fantasy owners saw the Michael Vick of old. The New York Jets veteran quarterback made his first start of the season, and lit up the Pittsburgh Steelers to snap the Jets eight-game losing streak.

There were breathtaking runs highlighted by elusive jukes, and the quick feet that made Vick one of the most feared dual-threat passers in the league almost a lifetime ago. He totaled 47 rushing yards, heaved a 67-yard touchdown bomb, and capped another drive with a five-yard TD strike. If any owner started Vick this week (likely a diehard Jet or Vick fan hoping for the best), then they probably got much more than they hoped for.

But owners should understand that Vick is not be a waiver wire priority in Week 11, especially with only three games remaining in the fantasy season and every matchup counting that much more.

For one thing, the Steelers defense has been highly inconsistent this year. Before Week 10, the Steelers were 20th against the pass and allowed 15 passing touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks also managed a 91.4 passer rating versus the Steelers.

Secondly, Pittsburgh’s high -coring and typically mistake free offense committed four turnovers. It serves to reason that if the Steelers had put more points gainst an equally wallowing Jets secondary that Vick would’ve been forced to throw more and he would have been exposed.

Finally, the Jets schedule for the rest of season doesn’t make Vick a viable fantasy starter. After the bye week, the Jets are at Buffalo, vs. Miami (two of the best defenses in the league), then at Minnesota, at Tennessee, vs. New England and at Miami.

The Vikes and Titans could be toss ups, but any of the games against AFC East foes would be poor starts for owners. It was great to see Vick flourish again, but stay away in the coming weeks.

Instead let’s look at which players should be targeted for Week 11’s waiver wire following the early batch of games. Remember, always drop and add at your own discretion.

Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins

Before Week 10, Landry was second on the Dolphins in catches, and receiving yards and touchdowns, but only fourth in targets. Funny how even his own team and coaches were underestimating him. Owners should pounce on Landry. He’s owned in 11 percent of Yahoo! and 7.6 percent of ESPN leagues.

Chase Coffman, TE, Tennessee Titans

The nasty, violent hit Delanie Walker took could be enough to keep the Titans top pass catcher out for Week 11. Coffman’s next up on the depth chart, but we could see an uptick in production for receivers Justin Hunter, Kendall Wright or veteran Nate Washington.

Bishop Sankey, RB, Tennessee Titans

The rookie’s yet to put up huge numbers in a single game, but the talent and opportunity is there especially with Shonn Green waning as the season wears on. With Walker going down Sankey could be a huge help in PPR leagues as well. Sankey’s available in 39 percent of Yahoo! and 45 percent of ESPN leagues. Chances are you can pick him up, but act quickly. In dynasty leagues Sankey is even worth a trade at this point.

Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas Cowboys

As Dallas comes closer to clinching a playoff spot, there’s a good chance we could see less from DeMarco Murray. He’s been in another world all season, but Dallas won’t take any chances if a postseason spot is already locked up. Enter Randle who’s second on the team in carries, and could be worth a pickup going forward. Dallas is obviously on their bye in Week 11, but Randle is worth a snag and stash at this point of the season.

Others to watch: Lance Dunbar, RB, Cowboys; N.Y. Jets DST; Chris Hogan, TE, Bills; Damien Williams, RB, Dolphins