Fantasy Football: Top 5 injuries to keep an eye on for Week 11

Injuries are part of Fantasy Football, unfortunately. Make sure to adjust your lineups accordingly heading into Week 11 action.

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Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs past Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) in the third quarter in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Considering the nature of the sport, fantasy football owners suffer their own sort of internal non-physical injuries—for the most part. Any freak injury to any of your players can and probably will decimate your entire team.

However, the good news is, not to sound like we’re cheering for someone’s injury to happen, but with one man’s opportunity gone, another’s presents itself.

With Week 10 in the books, fantasy owners everywhere are absolutely dismantled or pleased with their performances from the past week. As always, Week 11 should promise to be another good one as we get ready to put last week behind us and prepare for the upcoming one.

Without further ado, here’s an injury report heading into Week 11 fantasy football with the top five injuries to keep an eye on.

Next: 5. Andy Reid's loyal wideout is out

Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) leaps while running as New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) attempts the tackle during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Wide Receiver Jeremy Maclin – Kansas City Chiefs

The 28-year old top receiver in Kansas City is set to miss Sunday’s tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a groin injury. This marks the second straight game he’s going to miss and it’s definitely something that warrants fantasy owners to run for the hills.

Through nine games Maclin has caught for 376 yards and scored only a measly two touchdowns on 30 catches. Coming off back-to-back years where he’s caught over 1,000 yards, he’s well below that margin this season.

At this point, it’s become difficult for fantasy owners to trust Maclin even when he’s healthy. He hasn’t surpassed more than 78 yards in any game in 2016. He also hasn’t had more than six receptions in any game. It’s been a disappointing season, to say the least. Perhaps the rest he’s currently getting will help him have a late-season surge in the fantasy realm.

Next: 4. An Eagle that isn't soaring

Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews (81) is tackled after a catch by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4. Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews – Philadelphia Eagles

No. 81 down in Philly has been one of the biggest disappointments in the fantasy football world this year. After he had a career year in 2015, many thought he’d be a likely candidate to repeat those numbers—even with a rookie quarterback.

Through nine games he’s caught for 580 yards on 48 catches and scored just three touchdowns. You would think rookie quarterback Carson Wentz would throw to him because of his success and stature, but that’s been much less the case.

The one encouraging stat line that we spotted was that he’s actually averaging more yards per game this season. So it seems that despite the lack of overall production, he’s at least making the most out of every opportunity he gets this season.

He’s still without a doubt the Eagles‘ top receiving option there, so hopefully fantasy owners see a late-season comeback to the level that we saw in 2015.

Next: 3. This Bears' woes continue

3. Wide Receiver Eddie Royal – Chicago Bears

The journeyman receiver out of Virginia Tech has been sort of an enigma this season. He’s proven in the past that he can be a reliable fantasy option, but with Chicago’s series of injuries, it’s been difficult to know when to use him.

Through nine games he’s caught for 362 yards on 30 catches and is averaging 52 receiving yards per game. That average hasn’t been that high since his rookie season in Denver in 2008, where he averaged 65 reviving yards per game. Although he’s only scored two touchdowns, he’s been able to post fairly good number due to the volume of targets he sees in most games.

He’s listed as questionable entering Week 11 with a toe injury that limited him in practice all week. It sounds like he’ll be out there to give it a go on Sunday, and that has to be music to fantasy owners’ ears.

Just this week star receiver Alshon Jefferey was suspended four games for the use performance enhancement drugs. Now, at least for the next four games, Royal, tight end Zach Miller, and wide out Cameron Meredith are the only viable options in Chicago. Royal possesses more talent and success out of the three, but that’s assuming he’s healthy.

Next: 2. The Raiders will need their top tailback down the stretch

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball during the first half in the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Running Back Latavius Murray – Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have been one of the up-and-coming teams this season. With a mix of young and veterans playmakers, it’s not a big surprise as to why it’s finally clicking for them in 2016.

No. 28 is a big reason why the team has done so well up to this point. Despite averaging only 56 rushing yards per game, Murray has already scored a career-high in rushing touchdowns (8) this year.

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If there’s any indication that the young star tailback is matchup proof, look no further than Week 9’s monster game (20 carries for 114 yards and three touchdowns) he had against of the top defenses in the NFL—the Denver Broncos. He’s been dealing with some injuries this season, that has already caused him to miss two games, but perhaps coming off the BYE week, he would’ve gotten the rest he much deserves.

He’s currently dealing with an ankle injury which has limited him in practice all week. However despite the injury, it sounds like he’ll be a full-go to suit up for Monday night’s showdown against the Houston Texans in Mexico City.

Next: 1. New England will be Gronk-less for Week 11's tilt

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Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; The Buffalo Bills defense tries to tackle New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tight End Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots

We don’t need to stress how much of a blow Gronk’s injury is to fantasy owners. Despite the fully-known capability and value No. 87 possesses, owners have to feel a little regret for investing such high picks on him this year.

Of course, he’s the best tight end, in one of the top teams, with a future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback throwing to him. However, he’s been dealing with a series of injuries that caused him to miss the first three games of the season.

He made his season-debut in Week 4, but only to tease and fool owners in starting him in a game where he only had one reception for 11 yards. He was a beast in Weeks 5-8, where he had double-digit fantasy points before posting a mediocre game last week against the Seattle Seahawks.

Must Read: Jets must accept reality to move past struggles

As noted, he’s already been ruled out for Sunday’s tilt against the San Francisco 49ers, and it’s a shame because as we know the 49ers have one of the worst defenses this season. It sure was a great matchup that owners will unfortunately not get to see. On the bright side, the Patriots visit the New York Jets the week after. We don’t have to stress how bad the Jets’ secondary has been this year.