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Week 11 Fantasy Takeaways: Buck UP! Injured Forsett elevates rookie

1. Sunday, bloody Sunday. Devonta Freeman (concussion) and Justin Forsett (broken arm) fall. What promoted backup (Tevin Coleman or Buck Allen) is the better pick up? 

Another week. Another round of gut-punching RB injuries.

Allen is the obvious must-add given his guaranteed major rest-of-season role, including Week 11. The Ravens are gifted an exceedingly generous matchup next Monday against Cleveland. On the year, the Chihuahuas have conceded 4.82 yards per carry, 181.1 total yards per game and 11 TDs to the position, good for the sixth-most fantasy points allowed. Also down Lorenzo Taliaferro, it's clear the USC product will be a workhorse next Monday and beyond, possibly netting some 20 touches per game.

Working as Forsett's complement, the rookie showed three-down flashes earlier this year. A plus-sized (6-feet, 220-pounds), versatile rusher, he possesses between-the-tackles brawn, reliable hands and nasty cutting ability. On 64 carries, he's notched 4.0 yards per tote. His 22-67-5-48 tally after Forsett's exit versus St. Louis may only be a taste of what's to come. Keep in mind the Ravens offensive line ranks inside the top half of the league in run-blocking per Football Outsiders. If you're sitting on a pile of FAAB cash, now is the time to smash the piggybank, though it's important to note Baltimore's fantasy playoff schedule isn't the friendliest (SEA, KC, PIT) and Joe Flacco's permanent shelving (torn ACL) complicates matters.

Commenting on Coleman, he's worth a substantial investment for those scratching and clawing to punch their ticket for the second season. If Freeman doesn't clear post-concussion protocol before Sunday, the rookie would be a highly employable RB15-RB20 running back versus Minnesota. The Vikes are a formidable opponent, but recall earlier this fall pre-Freeman ascension, Coleman was more than respectable. Week 1 versus Philly he rushed for 80 yards on 20 carries. He's a far inferior receiver, but volume alone should net him 80-plus yards against Minny. Spending roughly $20-$25 is recommended, especially if your back is against the wall.

2. The kids are all right in Denver

The Brock Ness Monster is not only real, it's a viable threat to fantasy opponents.

Brock Osweiler, who waited 57 games for his opportunity, was nothing short of spectacular in his first start, achieving more on his initial drive than Peyton Manning seemingly had in several recent full-game efforts combined. Against the Bears he accounted for 250 yards with a pair of TDs on 20 completions displaying considerable pocket poise, accuracy, arm strength and play extension. Granted it wasn't the strongest opponent, but it was hard not to be impressed by his overall performance. Remember, Emmanuel Sanders was a late scratch due to an ankle injury.

Osweier's breakthrough likely means Manning, arguably the worst starter in the league this season, is Wally Pipp'ed. If the elevated backup executes against the unblemished Pats next Sunday night, there's no way Gary Kubiak can turn back to No. 18, unless he's completely nuts. The greenhorn's ability to stretch the field and protect the football is precisely what a sloughing Broncos offense needs. In Chicago, Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson found new life. Why? Stacked boxes were few and far between, because the defense had to respect the pass.

For the streaming crowd, Osweiler is an advised option the next few weeks. Including Sunday night's monstrous tilt against New England, the former Sun Devil faces San Diego, Oakland and Pittsburgh through Week 15. It's conceivable he flirts with QB top-12 numbers during that stretch making him worth a $10-$15 FAAB bid in free-agent moves this week.

Peyton, you better start honing your pizza-making skills.

3. Ameer Abdullah needs to be reacquired  

It seems like an eternity ago the Abdullah hype machine, fueld by some greasy 'stached fanalyst with a penchant for innacurate predictions, operated on high. A standout preseason coupled with an explosive Week 1 performance in San Diego, led many to believe the touted rookie was destined for a top-20 campaign.

However, numerous fumbles and a long benching later, and virtually no one wants to roster the kid.

Abdullah, though, again deserves your consideration.

Lions OC Jim Bob Cooter declared earlier in the week, Ameer would see an increased role moving forward. With Joique Bell's days in Detroit numbered and the Lions out of the playoff hunt, it only seemed logical for the young rusher to earn more reps. Backing up his words, Cooter fed the RB 13 times versus Oakland. Abdullah didn't blow up the scoreboard (46 total yards), but the volume is very encouraging, especially when you consider some of the RB's upcoming matchups. The Hello Kitties face off against New Orleans and San Francisco in Weeks 15 and 16. In those contests, he would certainly be a luxury FLEX or back-end RB2 play in 12-team leagues. If you're trending toward the playoffs ... STASH!

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