INSIDE THE NUMBERS
For the first time in his brief NFL career Lions’ QB Mathew Stafford played in all 16 games in 2011. That coupled with Detroit’s wide-open attack led to some monster numbers. He finished the season with 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns through the air. The Lions had a league-high 666 pass attempts a year ago and lined up in the shotgun on 68 percent of their plays. With a great line and stellar weapons surrounding him, Stafford should finish as a top five fantasy option at the position if he can stay healthy again.

SCHEDULE
Playing against the NFC North foes six times should lead to plenty of shootouts and big offensive numbers.  Detroit gets the NFC West and AFC South as its cross-divisional opponents in 2012. The Lions six teams that finished in the top half of teams in 2011 in terms of fantasy points allowed to running backs. You have to like their fantasy playoff schedule – at Green Bay, at Arizona and home to Atlanta on a Saturday prime time affair.

STUD
Calvin Johnson is unanimously the No. 1 fantasy wide receiver entering the 2012 season after pulling in 96 balls for 1,681 yards and 16 TD’s. He is a big-play guy that had a league-high 32 catches of 20-plus yards. Over his past 29 games (including playoffs) Megatron has 80 yards and/or a TD 24 times in 29 contests. The team has gotten better and deeper in the offseason which suggests these trends will continue. The only bad thing surrounding Johnson is that he is on the cover for Madden 2013, which is widely considered sports’ biggest jinx.

DUD
In a PPR format tight end Brandon Pettigrew has pulled his weight, averaging 77 receptions over the past two seasons. While there’s no doubt he’s a top 10 name at the position, Pettigrew’s upside appears to be limited. He’s only managed to score 11 times through three years never going up the five-touchdown mark. In addition, his 9.6 yards per catch prevents him posting huge yardage numbers that some of the top producing tight ends have turned out in recent action. As long as you don’t overpay you won’t be disappointed.

SLEEPER
The speedy Titus Young is full of potential and with an ADP of 107.89 can provide great value for owners. Young is the deep threat in the Lions’ explosive offense, playing on 64 percent of the team’s snaps. He caught 48 balls for 607 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie and there are plenty of reasons to suggest a slight increase those numbers in 2012. He should be viewed as a solid WR4 that could emerge as a nice flex option more weeks than not.

NEW ADDITION
Detroit took wide receiver Ryan Broyles out of Oklahoma with the 54th overall pick in April’s draft. He had first-round talent, but a late-season ACL injury allowed him to fall. The team removed him from the PUP list on the outset of preseason action and it appears he’ll be ready to be in the mix in Week 1 for the Lions. He is going to push 31-year old Nate Burleson for playing time right away and could end up being 90-catch guy in the offense sooner rather than later.

POSITION BATTLE
The Lions’ backfield is a head scratcher for fantasy owners entering drafts and auctions. The explosive Jahvid Best is a major weapon and a perfect fit in this scheme. However, with multiple concussions he hasn’t been able to stay on the field and a huge risk. Mikel Leshoure’s rookie season ended before it started with an ACL injury. He has worked his way back from the injury, but now he has to deal with a two-game suspension for his off-the-field problems. Kevin Smith shined for a few weeks and is a sneaky add late as he could easily get his fair shake running the football again for the Lions in 2012.

BENCH BUILDER
For owners that go with Stafford in deeper formats where roster space is abundant handcuffing backup quarterback Shaun Hill is advised. Stafford made it through 2011 without missing time, but history suggests that is the exception rather than the norm. If Hill takes over his familiarity with the system and the talent surrounding him should lead to nice numbers.

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PICKUP OF WEEK
Shaun Hill (DET) – The Lions’ quarterback leads the league with 45 pass attempts per game and has a ton of weapons around him. With Matthew Stafford’s return to the lineup in question, Hill makes for a nice replacement for owners that have had problems under center. It amazes me that he is currently available in 53 percent of fantasy leagues played on CBSSports.com.

QB
Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) – averaged 350 yards over last two weeks
Chad Henne (MIA) – injury not as serious as previously believed
Tony Romo (DAL) – could return by Week 15 or 16

RB
Keiland Williams (WAS) – Portis’ setback keeps hi value high
Mike Goodson (CAR) – Back-to-back 100-yard efforts in terrible offense
Maurice Morris (DET) – Likely to start over Jahvid Best Thursday vs. NE

WR
Mario Manningham (NYG) – Giants’ top healthy wideout for next few weeks
Blair White (IND) – Gains value after Austin Collie suffers setback
Nate Washington (TEN) – Getting targets as Randy Moss continues to disappoint
Robert Meachem (NO) – Starting to gain steam in Saints’ offense

TE
Joel Dreessen (HOU) – Continues to benefit from Owen Daniels’ injuries
Jimmy Graham (NO) - Look for him to be more involved with Shockey banged up

DEF
Browns (CLE) – Our weekly matchup play vs. Carolina

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, waiver wire pickups, week 11, shaun hill

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

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

Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light – STOP!!! There are some appealing names each week on the waiver wire, I supply my weekly take on whether these players should be considered or not.

QUARTERBACK
Joe Flacco (BAL) - Flacco and the Ravens are looking like they are for real. I am not ready to put the rookie signal caller in the same class of Matt Ryan, but he's certainly worth a look as a your backup QB down the stretch. He has thrown for multiple scores in two straight games and passed for one and ran for another in the week before that. If he's still around give him a shot.

Shaun Hill (SF) – Hill is a guy that is still available in 84% of the fantasy leagues ran at CBSSports.com and after watching him on Monday night (minus the clock mishap), I was pretty impressed. He threw for 217 yards and 2 TD's. The Cards' caused problems for him in the second half. New head coach Mike Singletary has said he wants to stress the run, but Hill is another decent backup option.

Matt Hasselbeck (SEA) – Welcome back Mr. Hasslebeck! Can the veteran breathe some life into Seattle's dismal offense? Anything can help, but be cautious here. This is not the same guy and he hasn't played in six weeks. I will recommend making a move for him if you need some help at the position, but I would let him earn his way into your line-up.

RUNNING BACKS
Cadillac Williams (DEN) – It may finally be time to pull the Cadillac out of the garage. The official announcement is expected Wednesday, but indications are is Williams is ready to play. With Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn both a bit banged up, he could be pressed back into action. That sounds appealing enough for me to take a stab at him, buy he's far from a given.

Tatum Bell (DEN) – The Broncos running game is a mess right now. Selvin Young could come back, but is likely out for Week 11 and that leaves rookie FB Patrick Hillis as the team's primary options. Bell did play in the system and is a prime spot to get looks. Still, I'm not sold how long he will be the man or what his success will be. He will draw a lot of interest, but my guess is he's overrated. Watch your luggage!

Michael Bush (OAK) – The Raiders are a mess right now and Al Davis is messing with the play calling. Bush made nice contributions in Week 10 vs. the Chargers  (8 carries, 30 RuYd, 5 catches 43 ReYd), but the backfield is murky to say the least. Bush is somebody to keep an eye on, but don't jump the gun just yet. McFadden could still come back from his turf foe and Fargas is still the starter for now.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Josh Morgan (SF) – There has been a ton of hype surrounding Morgan in San Francisco and this week he finally started to show some signs of it catching 5 balls for 54 yards and a touchdown. The former Hokie is exciting and with Hill at the helm and Mike Martz calling the plays I am intrigued by him as a second-half roster option. I'm not naming him a starter just yet, but can add depth to your roster.

Mark Bradley (KC) – Nine catches for 89 yards and a TD in Week 10 makes it three staight quality games for the Chiefs' wideout. He is red-hot and developed great chemistry with Tyler Tyigpen. The schedule ahead is favorable and Kansas City is playing competively. Bradley is a nice WR4 option as we head down stretch and could be used as a flex options if his targets stay at their current level.

Fantasy Football joe flacco, shaun hill, matt hasselbeck, cadillac williams, tatum bell, michael bush, josh morgan, mark bradley

Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light – STOP!!! There are some appealing names each week on the waiver wire, I supply my weekly take on whether these players should be considered or not.

QUARTERBACK
Shaun Hill (SF) – With the plug being pulled on head coach Mike Nolan it’s only a matter of time before J.T. O’Sullivan suffers the same fate. Hill was decent in short work at the end of last year and could be productive in a Mike Martz lineup. Keep your eyes on this situation and if you need help at QB be ready to make the move if the Niners decide they are going to put him in.

RUNNING BACKS
Ahman Green (HOU) – The oft-injured Ahman Green received a season-high 14 carries against the Lions and it appears as if Gary Kubiak would like to see him worked in with rookie Steve Slaton. Durability is always a concern, but Green makes for a nice bye-week filler as Houston is set to host the Bengals and their poor rushing defense. A worthy pickup in deeper leagues.

Pierre Thomas (NO) – With Reggie Bush out 2-4 weeks there is going to be an opportunity for some more touches out of the Saints’ backfield. Thomas had some early-season success when Deuce McAllister was out, but he is pretty much a younger version of Deuce. It remains to be seen if he will have an increase in value. The kid has a ton of talent, but needs to get touches before I can recommend him.

Aaron Stecker (NO) – If you are looking for the short-term fit to replace Bush in the offense, Stecker is going to be the better option. He is at his best on passing downs and will likely step into that role with Bush out. Stecker is a nice play in PPR leagues, but McAllister’s value goes up the most out of all the Saints' running backs following the injury to Bush.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Donnie Avery (STL) – After getting a red light in the 9/30 edition of the Traffic Light, Avery has been given the green light here. He has caught 3 or more passes in four straight games and 5 receptions for 65 yards and a TD this week against Dallas. Don’t get too carried away he’s worth a play when the match-up is right, but not a weekly option for your line-up.
 
Greg Camarillo (MIA) – Even if Chad Pennington continues to struggle, Camarillo is proving he can be valuable. I was hesitant in recommending in anything outside of PPR leagues a few weeks ago (although I picked him up in every league at that time), but he’s now a safe bet for your roster in any format and a nice FLEX option in larger PPR leagues.

Javon Walker (OAK) – The veteran surfaced in Week 7 as a legitimate option in an improving Raiders’ passing offense when he was targeted nine times against the Jets. Walker took advantage of the action and finished the day with 5 catches for 75 yards and a TD. Take a chance as he’s available in most leagues, but don't bet the house on him doing again this week.

DEFENSE
Cardinals (ARI) – Fresh off a bye the Cards’ D is worth a look. Not only have they produced great numbers – over 3 sacks per game over last 4 – but now the scheduling gods are shining down upon them. After they get Carolina this week they have three straight against the Rams, 49ers, and Seahawks.

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