Sneaky Starts: Week 11

Nov 15, 2013

All but the luckiest fantasy owners at some point need to find the proverbial diamond in the rough -- a waiver wire or bench player who is capable of putting up some points in a pinch. This weekly feature is dedicated to that part of fantasy football. It's not pretty, but it's part of the game.

In Week 10, our Sneaky Starts included Case Keenum (QB7), Ryan Tannehill (QB13), Donald Brown (RB14), Rashad Jennings (RB19), Ben Tate (RB29), Riley Cooper (WR5), Golden Tate (WR10), Kenny Stills (WR14), Doug Baldwin (WR26), Kris Durham (WR29), Chris Givens (WR35) and Delanie Walker (TE4).

At 4for4, we use Adjusted Fantasy Points Allowed (aFPA) by position heavily in our rankings and analyses. For more detail, click here.

Note: These recommendations do not override our weekly rankings, which are updated throughout the week and weekend.

Texans QB Case Keenum (vs. OAK)
Since getting his first start in Week 7, Case Keenum has the #8 PPG among QBs, averaging 274 yards and 2.3 TDs. After producing in a tough matchup against the Cardinals, Keenum comes home to face a Raiders defense that gave up 7 TDs to Nick Foles two weeks ago.

Bears QB Josh McCown (vs. BAL)
In his last start (Week 9), McCown threw for 272 yards and two TDs against the Packers. In Week 7, he threw for 204 yards and a TD in 2 1/2 quarters of play. He didn't come into the game until the final drive in Week 10, but went 6-for-9 for 62 yards and a TD. Of all the QBs who have attempted at least 70 passes this season, McCown's YPA of 7.69 ranks 9th. McCown has command of Marc Trestman's offense and has plenty of good weapons to choose from. He should produce in a mediocre matchup against the Ravens.

Chiefs QB Alex Smith (@ DEN)
Smith has been quiet of late, with just three total TD (two pass, one rush) in his last five games, but he's likely to be put in a position to throw against the Broncos, who figure to jump out to a lead. Denver is #23 in QB aFPA.