FANTASY PLAYS: Top waiver wire options for Week 11

Injuries and a suspension have created opportunities for the next man up to step forward on several teams this week.

In turn, this creates opportunities for savvy fantasy owners to tweak their rosters and perhaps add a few points to their Week 11 score.

Let's see what kind of gems we can dig up on the waiver wire this week:

COLIN KAEPERNICK (QB, 49ers)

Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers owners looking for a substitute this week could do a lot worse than Kaepernick, who faces a not-so-tough Patriots defense in Week 11. The Patriots have just 16 sacks so far this season and they've allowed an average of 260 passing yards per game. Mobile quarterbacks tend to give them fits, so Kaepernick is a good choice to stream.

C.J. PROSISE (RB, Seahawks)

Over the last three weeks, Prosise had gradually been taking over the running back duties. The Seahawks like the versatility Prosise brings to their passing game, so he will have a role in their offense even if Thomas Rawls returns and takes over the primary rushing duties. Prosise racked up 87 passing yards on seven catches this past week. He'll be a solid play in point-per-reception leagues for the rest of the season.

KENNETH DIXON (RB, Ravens)

Terrance West only mustered 3.0 yards per carry against the lowly Browns in Week 10, which was boosted by a 17-yard play. Dixon is much more explosive and clearly more talented, especially in the passing game where West is of little help. It's only a matter of time before the Ravens make a change. Stash Dixon away now, you'll thank us later.

JAMES STARKS (RB, Packers)

The Ty Montgomery running back experiment is over for now. While it's true there is nothing special about Starks, the Packers are much more comfortable giving him the ball, especially in short yardage or goal line situations. He won't rack up a ton of points unless he scores, but he will get opportunities and he's good enough for a flex spot in your lineup.

JEREMY LANGFORD (RB, Bears)

Jordan Howard suffered an injury but the Bears haven't specified anything yet. Assuming Howard is out, Langford figures to be the next in line for the bulk of the carries. However, you'd be well advised to pick up Ka'deem Carey as well, because it is quite possible the Bears go with a committee approach.

CAMERON MEREDITH (WR, Bears)

Alshon Jeffery is gone for the next four games due to a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, opening the door for Meredith to become the Bears' top receiving threat. Meredith was the primary target for Brian Hoyer during his brief quarterback reign. He was targeted 27 times and caught 20 passes for 243 yards during Weeks 5 and 6. Eddie Royal will also see a bump in targets but Meredith has far more upside.

RISHARD MATTHEWS (WR, Titans)

Marcus Mariota has taken a step forward in production this season and Matthews has been one of the primary beneficiaries. Matthews is somewhat touchdown dependent but he's found the end zone in five of the last six games. He's also been targeted at least five times per game in three of the last four games. You'll want Matthews in your lineup for this week's game against the Colts.

TYREEK HILL (WR, Chiefs)

Jeremy Maclin is sidelined with an injury, so Hill has stepped up to replace him. Hill received 13 targets in Week 10, and finished the day with 10 receptions for 89 yards. He also has four touchdowns this season. The Chiefs face the Buccaneers in Week 11, a team that's allowed 19 passing touchdowns, making Hill a strong play this week.

TYLER LOCKETT (WR, Seahawks)

Injuries hampered both Lockett and QB Russell Wilson earlier this season, but both are healthy now and the difference is obvious. Lockett had one of his best games of the season against the Patriots in Week 10, with three receptions for 72 yards. He's an explosive playmaker who will continue to produce, especially over the next few weeks when the Seahawks have some great matchups.

LADARIUS GREEN (TE, Steelers)

Green finally returned to action in Week 10. He played just 12 snaps but caught three passes for 30 yards. Look for the Steelers to continue easing him into their offense, especially in third down situations or in the red zone, where he's a big target for Ben Roethlisberger. The Browns, Colts and Bengals are all on Pittsburgh's schedule and they are all generous to tight ends, making Green a wise investment now.

VANCE MCDONALD (TE, 49ers)

McDonald has received six targets in each of the last three games, and he's been steadily improving this season. Given the vast wasteland that is the tight end landscape this season, McDonald presents a unique opportunity with matchups against the Dolphins, Bears, Jets and Falcons on the horizon. He's quickly becoming Colin Kaepernick's safety blanket, which means continued targets in favorable matchups.

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This column was provided to The Associated Press by the Fantasy Sports Network, http://FNTSY.com