Week 11 of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker chooses a QB, RB and WR. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker. This week's guest — Mike Ferguson, the founder and CEO of Ferguson Behavioral Health Consulting and a Chicago native who roots for the Bears and Cubs — will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone projected to score in the top 10 by NFL.com at their respective positions:
Mike Ferguson's WEEK 11 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Matt Ryan, Falcons
NFL.com QB projection: No. 3
Matchup: Colts
The Colts defense has been terrible all year, and I can see Julio Jones and company just ripping through their banged-up secondary. Could be the best game of the year for Mr. Ryan.
RB: Todd Gurley, Rams
NFL.com RB projection: No. 4
Matchup: Ravens
My favorite running back in the NFL right now, and his matchup against the Ravens should equate to a big week. He played against my Bears last week and I got scared anytime he touched the ball.
WR: Julio Jones, Falcons
NFL.com WR projection: No. 2
Matchup: Colts
No way he goes for fewer than 150 yards against a totally overmatched Colts secondary. I have a hunch he will score two or three times and then rest in the fourth quarter.
MICHAEL RAND's WEEK 11 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Derek Carr, Raiders
NFL.com QB projection: No. 14
Matchup: Lions
Carr seems like the kind of QB destined to be a fantasy star for years to come. If the Raiders play well, it will be on the strength of his arm. If they don't, he'll still pile up some cheap points late.
RB: DeMarco Murray, Eagles
NFL.com RB projection: No. 12
Matchup: Buccaneers
After a slow start in Philadelphia, Murray has put up much better overall and fantasy numbers lately. With backfield mate Ryan Mathews dealing with a concussion, Murray could get tons of carries.
WR: Stefon Diggs, Vikings
NFL.com WR projection: No. 13
Matchup: Packers
The Vikings like to run the ball and keep the game manageable with a strong defense, but one of these days they're going to get lured into a shootout. It might be Sunday, and Diggs will be ready.
SCOREBOARD WEEK 10 FANTASY RECAP (USING NFL.COM DEFAULT SCORING METHOD)
Winner: Glen Perkins — Aaron Rodgers (22.1), DeAngelo Williams (6.9), Randall Cobb (5.0). Total: 34.0.
Loser: Michael Rand — Andy Dalton (8.9), Darren McFadden (5.8), Demaryius Thomas (7.1). Total: 21.8.
Overall standings: Guest pickers 9-1.
