Things are getting more interesting by the minute. Just when you think you have fantasy football figured out, something goes awry. With that, here’s the performers from Week 11 who’ve earned game balls.

QB
Matt Schaub, HOU, 527 passing yards and 5 TDs – Wowzy woo! That’s a big stat line. Unfortunately, many Schaub owners only have him as a backup and didn’t benefit from this tremendous day. In one of my leagues, believe it or not, Schaub is on the waiver wire (but not for long).

Chad Henne, MIA, 354 yards, 4 TDs – Hey, speaking of waiver wire quarterbacks, here’s Chad Henne. He came in for an “injured” Blaine Gabbert to obliterate a previously-stout Texans defense. Henne looks like a safe grab for the coming few weeks too, as Jacksonville seems to have found some passing offense, finally.

RB
Marcel Reece, OAK, 103 rushing yards, 90 receiving yards – It’s rare to put a player who didn’t find the end zone  on the Game Balls list, but Reece’s yardage, especially in PPR leagues, is just too good to ignore. Reece is an absolute must start for as long as McFadden is out. He’s a top 12-type of RB, and will eventually find the end zone too.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, CIN, 101 rushing yards, 1 TD – The Law Firm had been quite pedestrian for quite some time, so likely wasn’t started by many. It had been almost a year since BJGE ran for more than 100 yards, so this may be a trend of things to come for the Bengal running back

WR
Andre Johnson, HOU, 14 catches, 273 yards, 1 TD – Andre Johnson is showing that patience pays off for fantasy owners who took him as their first wide receiver. Down the stretch, Johnson is starting to click as this was his first TD since September.

Justin Blackmon, JCK 7 catches, 236 yards, 1 TD – In shallow leagues, Blackmon is most definitely on waiver wires and even in other leagues, the Jacksonville rookie may have been kicked to the curb after being invisible in the Jags playbook. But, he really clicked with quarterback Chad Henne and is now someone who will be highly sought on the waiver wire.

TE
Rob Gronkowski, NE 7 catches, 137 yards, 2 TDs – Same old same old for Gronk owners, except for one thing. At the end of the game, in a meaningless extra point play, Gronk broke his forearm and is having surgery and will be out 4-6 weeks. Devastating news for the Patriots and his fantasy owners. It was a great run for his owners who still got full value from him. If your league goes deep into the season, hold onto Gronk just in case.

Garrett Graham, HOU, 8 catches, 82 yards, 2 TDs – Despite Owen Daniels playing, the other Texans tight end had a career game. He caught back to back TDs in the fourth quarter and hauled in 8 catches altogether. Graham is very likely on your waiver wire, but this may just be a one week wonder.


GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
The entire Philadelphia Eagles offense. Nick Foles got his first NFL start and it couldn’t have been any worse. With a terrible offense line and a clueless quarterback, the entire offense suffered. Desean Jackson had 2 catches. Lesean McCoy only had 45 yards running and then got a concussion. All this from a team that wanted to scapegoat Mike Vick as the reason for their problems, when the Eagles' problems are pervasive. So, for this reason, the entire Eagles team gets this week’s game used sock.

Follow Jimmy Dinsmore, The Fantasy Geek, on Twitter @fantasy_geek

Fantasy Football game balls, week 11, rob gronkowski, andre johnson, matt schaub

QB Game Ball – Matt Schaub, Houston – 31/62 for 393 PaYd, 3 PaTD’s, 2 INT
Schaub finally delivered for fantasy owners that have waited all season by torching the Ravens down the stretch of Monday’s loss. We could’ve done without the two picks, but the Texans’ signal caller more than made up for it for the nearly 400 yards and three scores.

QB Honorable Mention – Alex Smith, San Francisco – 17/27 for 255 PaYd, 3 PaTD’s (very few owners out there had him in their lineups, but most wish they did).

RB Game Ball – Darren McFadden, Oakland – 123 RuYd, 3 receptions, 83 ReYd, 3 TD’s
What a day McFadden rewarded owners with during Week 14 in which he torched the Jags for over 200 total yards while finding the end zone three times. He remains a RB1 for any fantasy playoff push as the Raiders are determined to run the ball.

RB Honorable Mention – Michael Turner, Atlanta – 28 carries, 112 RuYd, 3 RuTD’s (The Falcons’ workhorse has three 100-yard games and six TD’s over last four weeks).

WR Game Ball – DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia – 4 receptions, 210 ReYd, 1 ReTD
Jackson remains fantasy football’s top playmaker broke out of his mini-slump in a big way, including the longest play of a season in the NFL, a 91-yard TD catch. He did it all despite tweaking his ankle during the game and missing some action.

WR Honorable Mention – Deion Branch, New England – 8 receptions, 151 ReYd, 1 ReTD (Branch defied odds and delivered huge effort despite terrible weather in Windy City).

TE Game Ball – Jason Witten, Dallas – 7 receptions, 69 ReYd, 2 ReTD
After missing in action for the past couple of weeks Witten was able to step up and score twice in Sunday night’s loss to the Eagles. He remains a top 5 option at the position on weekly basis, especially when you factor in all of the injuries at tight end.

TE Honorable Mention – Bo Scaife, Tennessee – 4 reception, 20 ReYd, 2 ReTD’s (scored two times for an offense that had gone 14 quarters without a touchdown).

GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota – 14 carries, 26 RuYD, 0 receptions, 0 TD’s
The elite fantasy back was from elite in the opening week of the playoffs turning in his worst effort of the season. He mustered just 1.9 yards per carry as the Vikings struggled mightily versus a tenacious Giants’ D.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention – Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City – 1 reception, 3 ReYd, 0 ReYd (second straight dud week, though this time can be blamed partly on Brodie Croyle).

Fantasy Football, NFL matt schaub, alex smith, darren mcfadden, michael turner, desean jackson, deion branch, jason witten, bo scaife, adrian peterson, dwayne bowe

QB Game Ball - Matt Schaub, Houston - 38/52, 497 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int

Last week the Texans won a big game with a monster running performance from Arian Foster. This Sunday it was Schaub and his big wide receivers who dominated. Andre Johnson grabbed 12 balls for 158 yards and a score. Kevin Walter had 11 catches for 144 yards and a TD. It may still be early in the season but the Texans are for real and Schaub is a stub QB.

QB Honorable Mention - Shaun Hill, Detroit - 25/45, 335 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int (he's not their QB of the future but may put up some nice numbers for the next few weeks.)

RB Game Ball - Jahvid Best, Detroit - 17 carries, 78 yards, 2 TD, 9 catches, 154 yards, 1 TD

After totaling just 36 yards of offense last week, the rookie Best had a monster game against the Eagles on Sunday. He currently leads the league with five touchdowns and should continue to score plenty as the Lions look to have a pretty strong offense. Of course, a defense might help them win a game but that won't matter to Best who has the early edge for the top rookie of 2010.

RB Honorable Mention - Jason Snelling, Atlanta - 24 carries, 129 yards, 2 TD, 5 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD (Turner owners may want this guy on their bench.)

WR Game Ball - Miles Austin, Dallas - 10 catches, 142 yards

Right now the only thing that seems to be going right for the Cowboys is their wide receiver Austin. He has 10 catches in each of the first two games with a total of 288 yards. Meanwhile, rookie Dez Bryant has just 10 catches in two games, Jason Witten has eight and Roy Williams has seven. Austin is clearly the guy Tony Romo is looking for. That may change for the Cowboys to win a game but Austin should continue to produce nice numbers.

WR Honorable Mention - Johnson/Walter, Houston - 23 catches, 302 yards, 2 TD (a serious 1-2 punch for the Texans.)

The Game Used Sock Award - Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore - 17/39, 145 yards, 1 TD, 4 Int

So far this season Flacco has yet to match his incredible numbers from 2009. Last week against the Jets he put up 248 yards with no TDs and one interception. Sunday against the Bengals he struggled mightily. The Ravens have given his some solid weapons in Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmanzadeh and they still have a good running game. And, of course, a stellar defense. But sometimes the QB needs to step up and maybe Flacco is not the guy they were hoping he would be. I suppose it doesn't help that he has to wear a couple of nasty, beat-up, game worn socks.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Derek Anderson, QB, Arizona - 17/31, 161 yards, 2 Int (the Cardinals could have gotten that production from Matt Leinart.)

Fantasy Football, NFL matt schaub, andre johnson, kevin walter, shaun hill, jahvid best, jason snelling, miles austin, joe flacco, derek anderson

QB Game Ball - Matt Schaub, Houston - 28/40, 392 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT
The Texans put a hurt on the Bengals Sunday thanks to a big day from Schaub. The Texans QB relied heavily on his stud WR Andre Johnson (8 catches, 135 yards) and his Pro-Bowl TE Owen Daniels (2 TD). It was the fourth time in six games that Schaub threw for more than 300 yards and he now has 14 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

QB Honorable Mention - Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh - 23/35, 417 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT (another big game against an Ohio team.)

RB Game Ball - DeAngelo Williams, Carolina - 30 carries, 152 yards, 2 TD, 2 catches, 20 yards
The Panthers got their running game in gear against the Bucs on Sunday. Williams and his counterpart Jonathan Stewart combined for 262 yards and three scores. It was the first time this season either back reached triple digits on the ground.

RB Honorable Mention - Thomas Jones, NY Jets - 22 carries, 210 yards, 1 TD (the Jets rush for more than 300 yards and lose?!?!)

WR Game Ball - Sidney Rice, Minnesota - 6 catches, 176 yards
The Vikes won another close game thanks to some magic from their new QB. Brett Favre hooked up with Rice on a 58 yard play that set up the game winning field goal. Then, just a few minutes later, the Ravens missed a field goal with time running out, thanks once again to Favre. Okay, he had nothing to do with it but he'll probably still get credit. Regardless, Minnesota's WRs are all better with him at the helm.

WR Honorable Mention - Welker/Moss, New England - combined for 18 catches, 279 yards, 5 TD (really, neither should have been playing in the second half.)

TE Game Ball - Zach Miller, Oakland - 6 catches, 139 yards, 1 TD
The Raiders beat the Eagles? Yeah, they did. Oakland actually looked pretty good on Sunday. The D held Philly to just three field goals. Justin Fargas and Michael Bush combined for over 100 yards on the ground. And Jamarcus Russell found his new favorite target in Miller.

TE Honorable Mention - Owen Daniels, Houston/Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota/Heath Miller, Pittsburgh (combined for 5 TDs - the TE position is deep!)

The Game Used Sock Award - Kerry Collins, Tennessee - 2/12, -7 yards, 1 INT, 1 Fum
It snowed in New England today. There was snow on the ground throughout the game between the Patriots and Titans. And while it seems early for snow, football players should be used to it. Kerry Collins was not. He has, however, gotten used to losing. And losing badly. I'm not really sure what happened in that game today. I don't think the Patriots are really that good and I don't think the Titans are really that bad. But something sure is not right with Collins. To his credit, Vince Young did not do much better after replacing him. Maybe they can both go home with a stinky sock. Or at least a couple of thermal ones.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Jason Campbell, Washington - 9/16, 89 yards, 1 INT (he had his chance against the Chiefs and blew it.)

Fantasy Football, NFL game balls, week 6, matt schaub, deangelo williams, sidney rice, zach miller, kerry collins

There are more than a few fantasy owners that were burned by the dud turned out by the Texans' offense yesterday in a home loss to the Jets.

The unit was held without a score just 11 first downs and 183 total yards.

Matt Schaub was under constant pressure and it took its toll on the passing game. He completed just 18 of 33 passes for 181 yards with an interception. Highly-touted receiver Andre Johnson mustered just four catches for 35 yards and tight end Owen Daniels tallied just 44 yards on four receptions. Wide receiver Kevin Walter (hamstring) did not play

As bad as the passing game was, the running game was even worse. Steve Slaton did not live up to RB1 expectations, finishing with just 17 yards on nine carries. He did catch three balls for 35 yards, but fumbled on his longest catch of the day. Chris Brown only had five carries and wasn't much of a factor.

FINAL TAKE: While there is reason for concern after a dismal preseason showing, you shouldn't jump ship on the Texans just yet. The Jets are the NFL's most underrated defense and Rex Ryan just had a good game plan. The schedule isn't the best path to fantasy success, but it is fair to expect improvement in the weeks ahead.

Fantasy Football houston texans, matt schaub, andre johnson, owen daniels, kevin walter

Fantasy Football week 16, lineup locks, matt cassel, shaun hill, matt schaub, phillip rivers, eli manning, tony romo, pierre thomas, kevin smith, brian westbrook, chris johnson, marion barber, tashard choice, tim hightower, randy moss, calvin johnson, antonio bryant, terrell owens, desean jackson, santonio holmes, john carlson, dustin keller, zach miller, antonio gates, chris cooley, heath miller

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia - 33 carries, 131 yards, 1 TD, 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
The Eagles running back has been a big disappointment this season. He's battled injuries and has struggled along with almost all of his teammates. But it looks as if Westbrook is back and, believe it or not, the Eagles are still alive in the NFC. Donovan McNabb still doesn't look great with only 191 passing yards on the day. But the Philly Defense showed up and held the Giants to just one offensive touchdown. The Eagles may need to win out to make the playoffs and with Westbrook playing like he did on Sunday they just might make it.

Matt Schuab, QB, Houston - 28/42, 414 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
After missing a month with a knee injury Schaub returned to the field big time against the Packers. Kevin Walter got things started for Schaub and the Texans with an early 58 yard touchdown. He finished the day with 146 yards on six catches. Tight End Owen Daniels also caught six balls for 65 yards. Andre Johnson was a bit quiet with just 55 yards from four catches but he did score a late touchdown. At 6 and 7 the Texans are shooting for their first winning season and even if they come up short, they certainly have the nucleus on offense to do hit it next year.

Wes Welker, WR, New England - 12 catches, 134 yards, 2 pt. conversion
The Patriots survived a scare in Seattle thanks in large part to their little receiver. Welker had nearly half of the teams' catches and exactly half of Matt Cassel's passing yards. Cassel completed 26 of 44 passes for 268 yards for those that don't do math. More importantly for the Patriots, he did not throw an interception. While the victory kept New England alive in the playoff race, the team is still looking for a running game and the defense did not look good against a struggling Seattle squad. But winning ugly is still winning.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta - 10 catches, 164 yards
Not only did White have twice as many catches and yards than any player on either the Falcons or the Saints, Matt Ryan out-threw Drew Brees by 85 yards. So, you'd think the Falcons won, right? Well think again. The Saints picked up a win thanks to the running of Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. The two combined for 215 total yards and three touchdowns. So the Falcons threw more than the Saints but the Saints won by running the ball? Go figure.

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee - 19 carries, 136 yards, 1 TD, 4 catches, 30 yards
Despite a few mistakes by their quarterback, the Titans won their twelfth game of the season on Sunday. Kerry Collins was picked twice by the Browns, but it did not amount to much. The Titans defense held Cleveland to just three field goals while Collins just handed the ball off to his two backs. Along with Johnson, LenDale White had 99 yards on 24 carries and also scored. Want to do some more math? Awesome running game + solid defense = 12-1 record.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver - 11 catches, 91 yards, 2 TD
After losing three straight at home, the Broncos took care of business against the Chiefs. Their running game took another hit as Peyton Hillis left the game with an injury. But the 2008 Denver offense is all about throwing the ball. Jay Cutler completed 32 of 40 passes for 286 yards and the two touchdowns to Marshall. Tony Scheffler finished with 61 yards on five catches. Eddie Royal caught six balls for 42 yards.


THE GAME-USED SOCK AWARD
Tony Romo, QB, Dallas - 19/36, 210 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
It may seem harsh to give a Dirty Sock Award to a guy facing the league's best defense, on the road and in the cold. And Romo's numbers certainly are not the worst by a quarterback on Sunday. But those guys aren't Romo and don't play for "America's Team." And if you watched any of this game you may recall that there were many passes by Romo that weren't close to anyone. Not tips or slips or flubs. Just passes to nowhere. And if you don't believe me, wait until you hear T.O. talk to reporters this week. Anyway, the Cowboys have more than a few things to work on before they are going to the post-season. And now Romo has to work with a stinky sock. (Maybe he can shove it Owens' mouth for a while - or anywhere else for that matter.

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Here are some injuries that fantasy owners will want to keep their eyes on for Week 14:

QUARTERBACKS
Ben Roethlisberger (knee) - no limitations in practice on FRI
Matt Schaub (knee) - probable and expected to start at GB
Matt Hasselbeck (back) - doubtufl; Seneca Wallace likely to start

RUNNING BACKS
Marion Barber (toe) - missed third straight practice; not looking good
Joseph Addai (knee) - added to report on FRI; a game-time decision
Clinton Portis (knee/back) - game-time decision; doesn't play until 8:15
Steven Jackson (quadriceps) - probable; could see increased work
Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) - expected to start vs. NYG
Marshawn Lynch (back) - ready to face MIA; listed as probable
Ryan Grant (thumb) - should see "normal workload" according to coach
Willis McGahee (illness) - returned to practice FRI
Kevin Smith (shoulder) - limited in practice, but probable vs. MIN
Deuce McAllister (suspension) - will be active, but behind P. Thomas

WIDE RECEIVERS
Anquan Boldin (back) - set to start on SUN vs. STL
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable, yet he should go vs. SF
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - practiced w/out limitations on FRI
Anthony Gonzalez (shoulder) - late addition to injury report
Mark Bradley (calf) - has been ruled out for Week 14
Koren Robinson (knee) - will start vs. NE, but not a great play

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (ankle) - ruled out w/high-ankle sprain

DEFENSIVE LINE
Kevin Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Pat Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Gaines Adams (knee) - questionable for MON night vs. CAR
Adewale Ogunleye (shoulder) - status unclear for Week 14
Fred Robbins (shoulder) - Counting on him to return vs. PHI

LINEBACKERS
London Fletcher (foot) - did not practice FRI; questionable
D.J. Williams (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Gary Bracket (fibula) - out for Week 14 vs. CIN

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Bob Sanders (knee) - returned to full practice FRI; questionable
Champ Bailey (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Cortland Finnegan (hamstring)- expected to play vs. CLE
Nate Clements (thumb) - questionable following minor surgery
Nick Harper (ankle) - returned to limit practice on FRI; should play

LATEST PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com)

Fantasy Football injury report, ben roethlisberger, matt schaub, matt hasselbeck, marion barber, joseph addai, clinton portis, steven jackson, brian westbrook, marshawn lynch, ryan grant, willis mcgahee, kevin smith, deuce mcallister, anquan boldin, laveranues coles, derrick mason, anthony gonzalez, mark bradley, koren robinson, kellen winslow, kevin williams, pat williams, gaines adams, adewale ogunleye, fred robbins, london fletcher, d.j. williams, gary bracket, bob sanders, champ bailey, cortland finnegan, nate clements, nick harper

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 14. It's either the last week of your regular season or you've made the playoffs. Making the playoffs is always good, but now, more than ever, is where you have to make the right choices, and unfortunately some of your fantasy stalwarts, maybe even the players who brought you this far cannot be counted on this week. Here's a quick look at those who has favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Cassel @ Sea
My take: Perhaps you saw what Romo did to this awful Seahawk defense last week. Cassel has proven he can produce top tier numbers and this will be one of those weeks.

--Aaron Rodgers vs. Hou
My take: Rodgers, like Cassel is one of those guys who is best to start when the match up is right. Well, the match up is right this week.

--Tyler Thigpen @ Den
My take: Let the amateurs in your league laugh at you when you bench your regular for Thigpen in the playoffs. You'll be laughing last as this match up is too good to pass up for Thigpen.

Lock Out:
--Jake Delhomme vs. TB
My take: Here's some fantasy math for you. Bad match up + inconsistent QB=playoff loss.

--Tony Romo @ Pit
My take: Do you have the guts to bench your fantasy stud in the playoffs? If you have a better QB with a better match up, then you should.

--Matt Schaub @ GB
My take: Don't rush to get Schaub back in your lineup. Wait and see how he does and wait until the match up is better.


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Joseph Addai vs Cin
My take: I'm not sure the Bengals have enough healthy d-linemen to even field a team at this point and I'm not sure that even if they did, that it would matter. Get Addai in your lineup this week.

--Peyton Hillis vs. KC
My take: This guy is quickly becoming the waiver wire find of the year. Play him this week.

--Ronnie Brown @ Buf
My take: As the Dolphins have stumbled a little down the stretch, I think they go back to what got them this far – running the ball and trick plays. Brown will benefit from that.

Fantasy Football matt cassel, aaron rodgers, tyler thigpen, jake delhomme, tony romo, matt schaub, joseph addai, peyton hillis, ronnie brown, clinton portis, marion barber, willie parker, randy moss, greg jennings, roddy white, terrell owens, santana moss, braylon edwards, tony gonzalez, dustin keller, dallas clark, chris cooley, heath miller, john carlson

Let's take a look at some injuries to keep your eyes on heading into Sunday's action:

QUARTERBACKS
David Garrard (back) - looks good to go for Monday night
Matt Schaub (knee) - making progress; could play Monday
Marc Bulger (concussion) - expected to start vs. Mia

RUNNING BACKS
Brandon Jacobs (knee) - listed as questionable, but expected to start
Steven Jackson (quad) - barring setback he should be active vs. Mia
Reggie Bush (knee) - expected to get 18-20 touches vs. TB
Willie Parker (knee) - back-to-back full practices; questionable
Clinton Portis (knee) - 50/50 shot of playing; look for him to go
Steve Slaton (chest) - practiced fully on Friday; safe to play
Jonathan Stewart (heel) - no limitations in Friday's practice
Selvin Young (groin) - going to be a game-time decision; not 100%
LeRon McClain (ankle) - limited on Friday, but is probable

WIDE RECEIVERS
Greg Jennings (ribs) - returned to full practice FRI; probable
Roddy White (back) - listed as questionable; should start
TJ Houshmandzadeh (back) - practiced FRI and will start vs. Bal
Plaxico Burress (hamstring) - will not play vs. WAS
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - appears to be a go vs. DEN
Eddie Royal (toe) - listed as questionable; expected to play
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - listed as probable; should start
Mark Bradley (calf) - officially a game-time decision
Josh Morgan (groin) - practiced FRI, but still questionable

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (shoulder) - questionable vs. Ind
Zach Miller (groin) - limited all week, but likely to go

Fantasy Football david garrard, matt schaub, marc bulger, brandon jacobs, steven jackson, reggie bush, willie parker, clinton portis, steve slaton, jonathan stewart, selvin young, leron mcclain, greg jennings, roddy white, tj houshmandzadeh, plaxico burress, laveranues coles, eddie royal, derrick mason, mark bradley, josh morgan, kellen winslow, zach miller