The Rookie Blitz: Week 11 in Review

LeSean McCoy: McCoy continues to thrive in the absence of Brian Westbrook from the Eagles lineup. The rookie rushed 20 times for 99 yards and a touchdown against Chicago. At this point, it appears that once Westbrook returns, he and McCoy will be splitting carries, but Westbrook will be out again Week 12, so it’ll be another opportunity for you to get the most out of Philly’s up-and-coming star.  While starting, McCoy should be used as a high-end #2 option including this week’s game against Washington.

Percy Harvin: Minnesota’s electric rookie has been a valuable commodity all season, but has been exceptional as of late as Harvin has gained at least 75 yards and scored in two out of his last three games while playing more of a traditional receiver role. Expect a similar amount of production from Harvin through the remainder of the season as Brett Favre will continue to look his way. Keep Harvin as a solid #3 receiver going forward.

Matthew Stafford: Stafford had the most productive game of his young career Sunday passing for 422 yards and five touchdowns.  Don’t overhype Stafford’s performance as he was facing a susceptible Browns defense, but this is still noteworthy considering this was only his 8th start of his NFL career.  Stafford dislocated his left shoulder in the game and is considered doubtful for Sunday’s game against Green Bay. Daunte Culpepper will start in his place.  Whether the starter is Culpepper or Stafford, let both of them continue to sit on the bench until further notice.

Michael Crabtree: The 49ers rookie receiver scored his first NFL touchdown on Sunday against Jacksonville.  Crabtree is continuing his progression with the offense and looks  more comfortable with every game.  Crabtree can only go as Alex Smith goes, so needless to say, that won’t breed consistency this season.  Think of Crabtree as a #3 option until he and Smith develop a chemistry where you may be able to trust that Crabtree will be productive on a weekly basis.

Beanie Wells: The Ohio State product had another quality performance on Sunday  as he ran 14 times for 74 yards and a touchdown.  Wells has over 70 yards rushing in each of his past three games and a touchdown in three of his past five games.  It’s becoming increasing clear that Beanie will be a staple of consistency for your fantasy squad for the remainder of the year.  Wells has a nice match-up with Tennessee Week 12, keep him as a solid #2 option for that game.

Brandon Pettigrew: The Lions’ rookie TE had a fantastic game in Sunday’s thriller against the Browns.  He had six receptions for 72 yards and the game winning touchdown.  Pettigrew has caught six or more passes and exceeded 70 yards in two out of his past three games.  Green Bay’s pass defense is sixth in the league, so that doesn’t bode well for Pettigrew considering he didn’t catch a pass the last time these two teams played.  Keep Pettigrew as a #2 TE for the Thanksgiving day game.

Mark Sanchez: The Jets “savior” had another rough outing against a ferocious Patriots defense on Sunday throwing four interceptions.  Sanchez has gone through his problems as a rookie with 10 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.  Consider that nine of those interceptions have taken place in two weeks, therefore, his season looks worse than it actually is.  With this being said, Sanchez is not a reliable fantasy option and should not start unless you have no other choice at quarterback.

Knowshon Moreno: The Denver rookie had another good outing against San Diego rushing for 80 yards on 10 carries.  He did have a fumble on the goal line, but Denver never had a prayer in the game anyway.  This is Moreno’s second straight productive game, but doesn’t have much significance for fantasy owners considering Denver is so offensively challenged at this point.  The Broncos host the Giants Week 12; the Giants rush defense has been vulnerable this season giving up 14 rushing touchdowns.  Keep Moreno as a solid #3 running back for this contest.