Five Players To Watch During Week 11

Added on Nov 19, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

Bye, bye to the bye weeks. For the first time since Week 3, all 32 teams will be in action this weekend as the stretch drive for the playoffs begins. There is no shortage of juicy matchups to salivate over either. The Packers travel to Minnesota to face the floundering Vikings. A well-rested Oakland team does battle with the suddenly mortal Steelers. And Peyton Manning and Tom Brady will go head-to-head in one of the NFL’s best rivalries. Here are five players to keep a close eye on.

Darren McFadden (Raiders) – Are the Raiders for real? We’ll find out against Pittsburgh on Sunday. McFadden is having a career season and as he goes, so go the silver and black. He’s totaled over 100 yards in every game he’s started and speerheads the league’s second best rush attack. Standing in his way is the Steelers top ranked run defense, which was gashed by BenJarvus Green-Ellis for 123 total yards last week. If Run DMc can continue his solid play, the Raiders have a chance to spring the upset.

Darrelle Revis (Jets) – Revis Island is still treacherous for visitors who dare step foot on its shores. This week’s brave soul to set sail is Andre Johnson, whose last trip yielded four catches for 35 yards and no touchdowns. The Texans are banged up and heading in the wrong direction. If Revis can once again put the clamp on Johnson, it could be a long afternoon for Houston.

Michael Crabtree (49ers) – San Fran has won two straight and seem poised to make a move in the NFC West. For that to happen, quarterback Troy Smith has to keep looking for Crabtree, who has scored in his last two games. The Bucs rank eighth versus the pass, but have allowed 15 touchdowns. Cornerback Ronde Barber is ancient and exploitable, so Crabs could be in store for a big Sunday.

Sam Bradford (Rams) – As shocking as it may sound, the Rams are in the thick of the playoff picture in the NFC. The main reason of course is rookie signal caller Sam Bradford. The Falcons will present a major test for young Sam, but Kevin Kolb, Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco have lit up their 24th rated secondary in recent weeks. St. Louis is also stout at home: Bradford is 4-1 and the defense has yet to allow more than 17 points.

Justin Tuck (Giants) – The key to containing Michael Vick is pressure up the middle. If the Giants shift Tuck inside he should be able to abuse Eagles center Mike McGlynn and guard Nick Cole. Tuck, along with defensive tackle Barry Cofield, have combined for seven sacks. If Big Blue has any shot to derail the Vick express, their front four must control the line of scrimmage.