Week 11 fantasy football

Late-week fantasy tips
Early edition

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2001

AFC West

Denver — Check the internet later today and Thursday morning to see how WR Rod Smith responded to practice on his injured ankle. He was going to give it a go on Wednesday, and although he’s one tough hombre, Mike Shanahan is going to have the final word based on what he sees from Smith. Rookie WR Kevin Kasper is finally due back from an ankle injury of his own, but going with a Broncos wideout other than Smith could be dangerous, considering the offensive woes the Broncos have suffered though lately.

NFC East

Dallas — The Cowboys are ranked No. 3 in overall rushing this year but have scored only a pair of touchdowns on the ground. Neither of those rushing TDs were scored by a running back — with PK Tim Seder and QB Clint Stoerner getting them. … RB Emmitt Smith (ankle) is listed as probable for Thursday’s game against the Broncos. Judging solely on history — considering this Cowboys team is unlike any in recent years — Smith might be a good play. He has traditionally performed well in Thanksgiving Day games. In Smith’s 11 previous Turkey Day showings, he has scored 14 touchdowns and topped 100 yards rushing seven times.

NFC Central

Detroit — RB James Stewart practiced Monday and Tuesday and is optimistic his injured ankle will hold up Thursday vs. the Packers. Said Stewart: "I feel pretty good. It felt better than I thought. I’m just going to see, let (the medical staff and head coach Marty Mornhinweg) decide whether I play or not." Stewart has missed the last four games with the injury, before which he averaged 4.8 yards per carry. The week before Stewart went down, he gained 108 yards on 16 carries vs. the Vikings. … WR Bert Emanuel, who injured in his left knee Sunday, might miss only four weeks as opposed to the remainder of the season. RS-WR Desmond Howard has not practiced this week because of an injured shoulder and is listed as questionable.

Green Bay — Though he has just one 100-yard game in his last seven outings, RB Ahman Green has a favorable matchup vs. the Lions. In the teams’ Week One meeting, Green rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Furthermore, Detroit has allowed an average of 135.1 rushing yards per game. … QB Brett Favre also performed well in Week One, completing 78.6 percent of his passes (22-of-28) for 260 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. And while he’s coming off a three-interception outing vs. the Falcons, Favre said he won’t change his high-risk, high-reward style. … Bill Schroeder remains the Packers’ top fantasy wideout, but Antonio Freeman is making a charge. He’s caught a TD pass in each of the last three games.

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2001 - 2002 Season