Welcome to the Sprint Pregame Post for Week 11. This week is loaded with a lot of those dreaded game-time decisions and we'll discuss possible replacements, contingency plans and anything else you need to know involving your lineup. One quick thing that needs to be made clear, if a player that is doubtful or highly questionable for a later game in the day or Monday Night Football, then it might behoove the owner to have a player that starts at the same time or later. This will prevent a player being ruled inactive and the painful goose egg. This post will be a game-by-game breakdown and it will be updated throughout Sunday.
ARTICLE UPDATED AT 3:15 PM EST and you can check out the updates after the jump:
ARTICLE UPDATED AT 5:30 PM EST
If you have any lineup concerns, you can post your comments below and I will be answering questions on Twitter @MikeSGallagher throughout the morning. My Twitter feed is also designed for those of you that can't get enough football and provides instant analysis of injuries, breakouts, disappointments and anything else relevant to fantasy football.
The players that were ruled out before Sunday are provided as well as the corresponding analysis. There will be analysis added to each of the games once the inactives are released.
1 PM EST Games (inactives will be provided shortly after 11:30 AM EST)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers
Buccaneers
Official Inactives: WR Michael Spurlock, T Demar Dotson, G Derek Hardman, DT Frank Okam, LB Dekoda Watson, CB Anthony Gaitor, S Tanard Jackson
Analysis: The Bucs may not look healthy based on their play, but the team is one of the healthiest in the league. The only player that is up in the air is Tanard Jackson (hamstring) and is a game-time decision. He could have a nice day for IDP with Rodgers slinging it around at Lambeau. The Bucs are going to have to air it out to keep pace, so consider Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn and Kellen Winslow more than you usually would.
UPDATE:Tanard Jackson is in fact OUT. Sean Jones is a nice IDP guy. Feel free to roll the dice on Mike Williams and Benn as sleepers today. The Bucs need all the points they can get.
Packers
Official Inactives: TE D.J. Williams, T Chad Clifton, G Ray Domingues, LB Frank Zombo, LB Robert Francois, LB Jamari Lattimore, CB Davon House
Analysis: Ryan Grant (knee) t is listed as probable and is expected to give it a go. He hasn't done much and hasn't topped 30 yards since way back in Week 3. He should be kept on your bench. The Pack is ready to roll and start all of their weapons like you normally would.
UPDATE: Aaron Rodgers has only been the weekly leader in passer rating just once this season. There's a good chance he has number two today.
Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
Panthers
Official Inactives: QB Jimmy Clausen, CB Brandon Hogan, LB Jason Phillips, LB Dan Connor, OT Lee Ziemba, TE Jeremy Shockey, and DT Frank Kearse.
Analysis: The Lions D hasn't been the same lately and the Panthers will have to combat the loud crowd in ideal dome conditions. Shockey being out gives a nice boost to Greg Olsen and he should be considered a low-end TE1. Even though the Lions have a weak run D, it's going to be tough to count on DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart with Cam Newton being the goal-line back (Stewart gets the edge). Steve Smith and Cam Newton are the only slam-dunk starts.
UPDATE:Clausen is inactive! NO! Dan Connor being inactive should seal the deal for James Anderson to have a ton of tackles today.
Lions
Official Inactives: QB Drew Stanton, P Ryan Donahue, CB Aaron Berry, RB Jahvid Best, OG Leonard Davis, DE Willie Young, and DE Lawrence Jackson.
Analysis: Matthew Stafford (finger) is still going to do the Michael Jackson by sporting the one glove on his throwing hand. He should have much more success against a less aggressive pass rush and beatable corners in Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn. The Panthers give up the most fantasy points to backs, but the Detroit depth chart is too cloudy to confidently start Kevin Smith or Maurice Morris (Morris gets the slight advantage). Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew should have big games.
UPDATE:Expect the Lions to have a lot of offense today and keep an eye on the running back situation. If you have dead weight, it might be worth a shot to take a flyer on Kevin Smith.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns
Jaguars
Official Inactives: Brian Robiskie, FB Brock Bolen, C John Estes, DE Aaron Kampman, WR Cecil Shorts,TE Fendi Onobun and DT Terrance Knighton
Analysis: The Jags probably get the silver medal as the least relevant team (Colts). Maurice Jones-Drew has a healthy team around him and the Browns will miss their SS, T.J. Ward (foot), for the next month. MJD is a must-start option and there shouldn't be any other player even on your roster in all but the deepest of leagues.
UPDATE:The Jags have nothing at WR right now. They won't be passing much, but Jason Hill figures to be their best bet for a decent fantasy outing.
Browns
Official Inactives: B Thaddeus Lewis, RB Montario Hardesty, RB Peyton Hillis, S T.J. Ward, C Steve Vallos, OL Oniel Cousins and TE Jordan Cameron.
Analysis: While Hillis (hamstring) is ruled out, Montario Hardesty (calf) is currently a game-time decision. The Tennessee product has a 33-carry game on his resume and should be added based on speculation that the job would likely be his next week. Chris Ogbonnaya is expected to get the start and is a decent flex play as long as Hardesty is out. If Hardesty goes, neither are worth playing in the vast majority of leagues. Mohammed Massaquoi is probable for the game. He shouldn't be starting in any league though. Greg Little could have a big game with the Jaguars missing Rashean Mathis for the year. Little is a nice sleeper at the WR3 spot in some leagues.
UPDATE:Hardesty is out and expect Chris Ogbonnaya get a large load today. He's a decent RB2 or flex for most formats. Hardesty should be owned though. Massaquoi is playing and could be worth grabbing in 20-team leagues.
Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings
Raiders
Official Inactives: Jason Campbell, QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Darren McFadden, FB Manase Tonga, WR Jacoby Ford, G/T Bruce Campbell, CB Chris Johnson
Analysis: Michael Bush will get the start and is going to be the bell cow against the Vikings. He needs to be started in all leagues. Taiwan Jones is an interesting play for owners with the bye-week blues or the injury bug. He could have 8-to-10 carries. Jacoby Ford being out does wonders for the value of Denarius Moore. The Vikings are extremely banged up in the secondary and Moore is one of the best players to start besides the obvious no-brainer guys. Carson Palmer should also have a top-10 game for his position.
UPDATE:The Raiders should have a nice game with the Minnesota secondary in shambles. Start Palmer and Moore with confidence.
Vikings
Official Inactives: CB Chris Cook, S Husain Abdullah, LB Erin Henderson, G Anthony Herrera, T DeMarcus Love, WR Stephen Burton, and DE D'Aundre Reed.
Analysis: Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring) is listed as questionable for the Vikes, but he really shouldn't be starting in most leagues. Adrian Peterson is arguably the top play at running back this week and Percy Harvin might have a decent game since the Raiders won't have Stanford Routt shadow him. He's a high-end WR3 in standards.
UPDATE:The Vikings are in deep trouble with their secondary. Shiancoe is active and is not really an option.
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
Bills
Official Inactives: TE Lee Smith, T Demetrius Bell, DE Kyle Moore, LB Chris White, CB Reggie Corner, S George Wilson, S Josh Nesbitt, K Rian Lindell
Analysis: Stevie Johnson (shoulder) is questionable, but he is expected to play at less than 100 percent. He's worth starting in most formats based on the 25th-ranked pass D of Miami. He's a low-end WR2. David Nelson (ankle) is probable and is an intriguing play in PPR leagues. Donald Jones has become Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite deep threat and could be a sleeper for leagues that count for long scores. IDP mega stud George Wilson (stinger) is doubtful, so IDP owners need to be sure of his status. Da'Norris Searcy is expected to start (he's CB-eligible, too).
UPDATE:Stevie Johnson and David Nelson are active. Johnson should be starting in most leagues. George Wilson being out is a killer to IDP teams as well as the Bills. IDP owners should not cut him since he is the best DB for fantasy in the league. Expect the Dolphins to have success in the passing game.
Dolphins
Official Inactives: RB Steve Slaton, TE Will Yeatman, T Will Barker, C Ryan Cook, DE Tony McDaniel, LB Ikaika Alama-Francis, K Dan Carpenter
Analysis: Kicker news! The Dolphins signed Shayne Graham and it looks like Dan Carpenter will not be able to give it a go. Cut him for another kicker. Anthony Fasano (ankle) has picked up his play lately and is questionable. If he plays, he's a decent play in two-TE leagues, especially if George Wilson sits.
UPDATE:Fasano is a go and Carpenter is out. The Dolphins should score some points at home against the soft Buffalo D. Matt Moore is a two-QB league option, Marshall should have a strong game and Reggie Bush is actually a nice RB2 today.
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Cowboys
Official Inactives: FB Tony Fiammetta, WR Miles Austin, CB Mike Jenkins, QB Jon Kitna, DE Clifton Geathers, G David Arkin and G Daniel Loper.
Analysis: Despite the questionable tag, Felix Jones (ankle) is expected to play. The Cowboys have said multiple times that he will be eased back into a contributing role as a backup. DeMarco Murray needs to be starting in all leagues and Felix Jones should be owned and left on the bench. Miles Austin (hamstring) is out and Laurent Robinson is set to contribute to fantasy lineups once again. He won't have as much success against Josh Wilson this week as he did with Drayton Florence last week though. He should still be starting as a weak WR2 in standards.
UPDATE: Felix Jones is out there and should not be out there in your lineups. Mike Jenkins is also out as expected which could hurt their D/ST. They are still one of the best defenses to start this week.
Redskins
Official Inactives: SS LaRon Landry, LG Maurice Hurt, LB Markus White, LB Keyaron Fox, WR Santana Moss, WR Niles Paul and CB Domonique Johnson.
Analysis: Niles Paul isn't really "notable" and he was thrown in there to really illustrate how decimated the Skins are at receiver. They will go with Jabar Gaffney as their main man with a little bit of Anthony Armstrong and Brandon Banks mixed in to their wide-receiving mix. Fred Davis is a nice play this week and Jabar Gaffney is a decent sleeper in PPR. Tashard Choice is also expected to be active as well to add a third factor to their messy back situation. Roy Helu has been great in his limited role and Shanahan insinuated that Helu could get most of the work. He's a flex play and there's obvious risk involved.
UPDATE: As stated above, the Skins are running out of receivers. Some of their beat writers said that they expect Anthong Armstrong to have his best game of the season. Which isn't saying much. Gaffney is a low-end WR3 in PPR and Armstrong is a Hail Mary. LaRon Landry is out for IDP and I'd expect Reed Doughty to have a big game in IDP leagues.
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
Bengals
Official Inactives: WR A.J. Green, S Robert Sands, LB Dontay Moch, OG Clint Boling, OT Anthony Collins, TE Donald Lee, WR Ryan Whalen
Analysis: The big story here is that A.J. Green (knee) is very doubtful with his injury he sustained on grabbing a TD last week. Fantasy owners should have alternatives lined up once word becomes official. Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell will pick up the slack at the flanker and split end spots with Andre Hawkins looking to build off his six-target game on Sunday. None of the Bengals receivers are worth your consideration in almost any league. If you're in a deep league, Andre Caldwell did lead the team in targets with eight and figures to be the best bet for production. Jermaine Gresham is also a low-endTE1 in deeper leagues. Cedric Benson has a bad matchup making him a low-level RB2.
UPDATE: Green is in fact out. As stated above, Caldwell is a desperation play and Gresham could be your man for a TE. This also increases the chances of Cedric Benson getting a heavier load and with Ray Lewis not at 100 percent, it could hurt their run D.
Ravens
Official Inactives: WR David Reed, WR Tandon Doss, CB Chykie Brown, RB Anthony Allen, LB Ray Lewis, OLB Sergio Kindle, DE Arthur Jones
Analysis: The Ravens were noncommittal on Lee Evans for this game and chances are his activity should have no bearing on your decision to start Anquan Boldin or Torrey Smith. Boldin might have a nice game on Sunday with Leon Hall (Achilles), the Bengals' top corner, out for the year. Ray Lewis is also questionable and is should be somewhat limited even though he said he'll tough it out. Plan accordingly.
UPDATE: Lewis is OUT. Get him out of your IDP lineups and Jameel McClain could be a decent spot-start LB for some of you. Lee Evans is ACTIVE. He is very unlikely to get a full complement of snaps and should be benched. Start Boldin and Smith as planned.
4PM EST-4:15 PM EST Games (inactives will be provided shortly after 2:30 PM EST)
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Cardinals
Official Inactives: QB Kevin Kolb, TE Todd Heap, TE Rob Housler, WR Stephen Williams, T D'Anthony Batiste, LB Joey Porter and S Kerry Rhodes.
Analysis: Kevin Kolb (toe) is listed as doubtful even though Ken Whisenhunt said that John Skelton is his starter. The SF D is far too good to even consider starting Skelton. Fitz is safe to start and should he a large portion of Skelton's looks. Beanie Wells is reportedly the healthiest he has been in a while and should be tackled by Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman quite a bit. The rough matchup makes him more of a low-end RB2 in deeper leagues and a flex. He does have clear-cut role though.
UPDATE: The Cardinals are out of options at TE and expect a large volume of targets for Larry Fitzgerald. Early Doucet should also see a nice chunk of looks with some possible deep shots to Andre Roberts.
49ers
Official Inactives: QB Scott Tolzien, FB Moran Norris, WR Brett Swain, OL Daniel Kilgore, OL Michael Person, DT Ian Williams, S Madieu Williams
Analysis: Frank Gore (ankle, knee) is listed as questionable for this game and Jim Harbaugh has already stated his load will be cut down in an effort to keep him healthy. The matchup is still very good for him and he should be starting in all standard leagues. Kendall Hunter is a nice flex play in some leagues and should be able to garner 10-to-15 touches. Even though the Niners will be a run-first offense, the likelihood of them scoring points makes Alex Smith a viable option for owners in a pinch. Vernon Davis should also be starting.
UPDATE: As expected, Frank Gore is starting for San Fran. He's a decent RB2 and Kendall Hunter is a flex play. The Niners should utilize the ground game quite a bit, thus making their passing options a bit of a gamble (outside of Vernon Davis).
Official Inactives:QB Josh Portis, WR Deon Butler, SS Atari Bigby, CB Ron Parker, T James Carpenter, T Jarriel King, DE Tony Hargrove.
Analysis: Suddenly the Seahawks have a running game after Marshawn Lynch trounced the Ravens to the tune of 109 yards on the ground. The Hawks are going to miss 40 percent of their line with John Moffitt (knee) and James Carpenter (knee) both out for the year. Nevertheless, the Rams are last in the league against the run and Lynch serves as a strong RB2 in most leagues. Sidney Rice is also good to go and could be a target on a deep ball against the undersized STL secondary.
UPDATE: The Hawks might have some trouble protecting T-Jax which means starting any player in their passing game is not a safe bet. Sidney Rice is a WR3 this week and Marshawn Lynch should be good to go.
Rams
Official Inactives: CB Nate Ness, RB Cadillac Williams, LB Justin Cole, LB Ben Leber, OT Jason Smith, WR Danario Alexander, DT Darell Scott.
Analysis: Caddy being in the garage means that Steven Jackson will be getting the overwhelming majority of the snaps at running back. Jerious Norwood is probably and should get his biggest load of the year; he should be on all benches though. Danario Alexander (hamstring) is doubtful which means Brandon Lloyd is a near must-start play this week. Austin Pettis is a sneaky start in PPR and Mark Clayton could be stashed for some of you in deeper formats, too.
UPDATE: The Rams are going to need a lot out of S-Jax today and he should have some success in the air and ground games. Sam Bradford might have a nice day, too.
Analysis: The Titans are fairly healthy and the only player that is a game-time decision is Barrett Ruud. Colin McCarty would get the start and is a decent IDP play. The Titans WR corps is starting to solidify with Damian Williams emerging as the top option. He's a decent play against the Falcons and there should be a lot of offense. It's too much of a gamble to start Nate Washington and Jared Cook based on their inconsistencies. Chris Johnson will look to follow up on his gem against the Panthers and should be starting in all leagues. Matt Hasselbeck is a nice high-upside play this for owners seeking a QB.
UPDATE: There's nothing new here and expect the Titans to run a fairly high-paced offense in the Georgia Dome. Start CJ2K and Matt Hasselbeck and Damian Williams serve as deep-league plays.
Falcons
Official Inactives: WR Julio Jones, SS William Moore, CB Darrin Walls, C Brett Romberg, LT Sam Baker, DT Carlton Powell and DE Cliff Matthews.
Analysis: The big news here is obviously Julio Jones. The latest out of Atlanta suggests that he will sit this one out, therefore Julio owners need an alternative. If there's a fairly strong option that starts at 1 PM, I'd probably start him over a lesser emergency backup for a later game (you're more than welcome to as me on Twitter to get the specifics). Harry Douglas would make for the perfect handcuff coming off his 14-target outing against the Saints. He won't get targeted that many times and is more of a WR3 in most formats. Roddy White and Michael Turner need to be starting and Matt Ryan is a low-end QB1 in 12-team leagues.
UPDATE: Julio is OUT. Make sure he's on your bench and start HDTV (Douglas) as a WR3
Analysis: The ruling out of Floyd opens the door wide open for Vincent Brown. Brown has great speed and leaping ability and is a good bet to beat Tim Jennings for a deep ball. Marcus McNeill is out for this one and that's not good for Phillip Rivers. The Chargers could not protect him and will have trouble again this week vs. Julius Peppers and co. It might sound silly that a missing tackle hurts the value of a quarterback, but McNeill is just that important. Rivers should still be starting; he has some risk though. Ryan Mathews should be back to his old ways of producing and Mike Tolbert is an OK flex for the propensity for the vulture score.
UPDATE: The Chargers don't have any surprises and they also announced that Ryan Mathews should see an increased load. In summation, RIvers is a low-end QB1, Matthews a strong RB2, Tolbert is a flex, V-Jax a WR1 and Vincent Brown is a great WR/ low-end WR2. You're obviously starting Gates.
Analysis: Matt Forte (shoulder) is probable and saying he needs to be in all lineups is like saying you need to drink water in the next three days. Earl Bennett is on the rise and should be owned in all leagues; start him as a WR3 in some standard formats. Jay Cutler could have a nice game with Quentin Jammer and the other San Diego corners vulnerable to the deep ball. There could be a blowout here.
UPDATE: The Bears are good to go and the only injured player that really impacts them is D.J. Moore. Moore has done a great job on passing downs and could have helped against Gates in bracket coverage. Start your Bears as planned.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (Sunday Night Football 8:20 PM EST)
Eagles
Official Inactives: QB Michael Vick, WR Jeremy Maclin, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, OT King Dunlap, DE Phillip Hunt, DE Brandon Graham and C Julian Vandervelde.
Analysis: Vick's vaporized this week and the Eagles will have to grease up their O with V.Y. It'll take a little slice of crazy to start Young this week and the Giants are likely licking their chops to get pressure on him and force some turnovers. DeSean Jackson has been horrible and is also a very risky play this week. Steve Smith should be be a decent option for deep PPR leagues and Young likes to use his tight end, so Celek is a decent option as well. The Young Experience has no influence on starting LeSean McCoy.
UPDATE: Riley Cooper gets the start even though he doesn't have any. carries. Expect the Eagles to use LeSean McCoy and LeSean McCoy to generate offense... LeSean McCoy. DeSean Jackson is a not the same guy and it will be tough for Vince Young to get him the ball.
Official Inactives: RB Ahmad Bradshaw, LB Michael Boley, WR Jerrel Jernigan, FB Henry Hynoski, G Mitch Petrus, DT Dwayne Hendricks and OT James Brewer
Analysis: Brandon Jacobs will carry the torch once again for the Giants. He didn't do much against the stout Niners D last week, however, this week he gets to tangle with the soft Eagles run D. The Iggles are 28th in YPC and 17th in rushing yards allowed per game. Start Jacobs. The Giants also have a healthy receiving group for SNF. Hakeem Nicks is a must-start and Mario Manningham gets the edge over Victor Cruz since Eli has a tendency to attempt a throw for six to the Michigan product. Eli is a decent start this week.
UPDATE: Brandon Jacobs has a nice matchup and should be a safe bet for RB2-type status. The Giants WR corps is as healthy as it has ever been, so we'll get to see how much Victor Cruz is involved in the offense with that factor. Nicks is a sure-fire stud while Manningham has a slight edge over Cruz for the end-zone looks. D.J. Ware is a decent play in deep leagues.
Thanks for reading and we'll be updating this once the inactives are announced (or if any strong reports come down as well). Don't forget to fire your questions to me on Twitter @MikeSGallagher or in the comments below.