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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota had another masterful performance to earn him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced Wednesday. Mariota passed for 295 yards and four touchdowns in leading Tennessee to a 47-25 victory over Green Bay. The former Oregon Duck didn't waste any time on Sunday, leading the Titans on three consecutive scoring drives in the first quarter to put the Titans up 21-0.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott continues to impress. The rookie had another monster game against the Steelers, racking up 209 total yards (114 rushing, 95 receiving). Elliott scored two of his three touchdowns late in the fourth quarter -- including a 32-yard scamper to the house with nine seconds left -- to lead Dallas to its eighth consecutive victory, and earning the former Ohio State Buckeye the NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.

The AFC Defensive Player of the Week was the Chiefs' Eric Berry. The safety returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to help rally Kansas City to a 20-17 win at Carolina. Berry also added nine tackles, including one for a loss.

Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor helped settle a score against the Patriots in their Super Bowl rematch on Sunday night. Chancellor prevented tight end Rob Gronkowski from catching a potential game-tying touchdown with 11 seconds left in the game, earning Chancellor the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Broncos safety Justin Simmons robbed the Saints of a win and was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Simmons blocked a potential winning extra point late in the fourth quarter that allowed teammate Will Parks to run it back for two points and propel Denver to the 25-23 victory in New Orleans.

The NFC Special Teams Player of the Week was Rams punter Johnny Hekker. The Oregon State product punted seven times -- with a 50.3 yard average -- in a 9-6 victory over the Jets. He pinned Gang Green inside their 20 four times, including with a 78-yard boomer.
 

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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Quarterbacks.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Marcus Mariota vs. Indianapolis Colts

Mariota continued to put up immense numbers in the stat sheets last week, scoring four touchdowns and 28.6 fantasy points in a win over the Packers. The Oregon product has now posted double-digit touchdowns in six straight contests, and he'll keep that streak alive against a Colts defense that's struggled against quarterbacks in 2016.




vs.
Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cleveland Browns

Big Ben hasn't been a reliable fantasy option outside of Heinz Field this season, averaging a mere 11.7 fantasy points in his last three roadies. Regardless, I'd still start him based on a favorable matchup in Cleveland. The Browns have allowed 25 touchdown passes and an average of 21 fantasy points a game to opposing quarterbacks.




vs.
Derek Carr vs. Houston Texans

You might look at this week's matchup against the Texans and think it's unfavorable, but think again. Their quarterback competition hasn't been stellar, and Houston has given up good totals to the likes of Sam Bradford (18.7) and Blake Bortles (17.7). I think Carr can reach the 18-point mark with ease in this AFC matchup in Mexico City.




vs.
Tyrod Taylor vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Taylor has been one of the most underrated quarterbacks in fantasy land this season. He's scored no fewer than 18.1 points in four straight weeks, and a matchup against the Bengals makes him a solid option once again. Their defense has allowed just fewer than 20 points a game to quarterbacks, so Taylor has a terrific shot to succeed.




vs.
Dak Prescott vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Dak Attack is hotter than ever, as he's coming off his eighth consecutive start with 17-plus fantasy points (including three with more than 23). The Ravens seem like a bad matchup on paper, but look at the numbers ... when this defense has faced a good quarterback on the road, that quarterback has produced.


Sleepers:
Blake Bortles at Lions, Kirk Cousins vs. Packers




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Carson Palmer vs. Minnesota Vikings

Palmer threw for a solid 376 yards in last week's win over the 49ers, but he turned the ball over three times and has fallen from grace in fantasy land. I'd keep him on the bench this week in Minnesota, where the Vikings have allowed an average of 12.5 fantasy points a game to quarterbacks. At this point, Palmer is almost droppable too.




vs.
Joe Flacco vs. Dallas Cowboys

Flacco, listed as a sleeper last week, finished with 22.1 fantasy points in a win over the Browns. Before you get too excited, however, look at his numbers on the road. In four contests outside of Baltimore, Flacco has thrown two touchdown passes with six interceptions and has averaged 11.6 points. He needs to be on the bench in Dallas.




vs.
Ryan Tannehill vs. Los Angeles Rams

Tannehill put up a 9.6-point stinker against a bad Jets pass defense two weeks ago, and then he traveled across the States and had almost 20 in San Diego. Go figure. Regardless, I still don't trust him for another California contest, this time against a Los Angeles defense that's given up 14.9 fantasy points per contest to quarterbacks.




vs.
Sam Bradford vs. Arizona Cardinals

Bradford finished last week with almost 19 fantasy points in a loss to the Redskins, but it was his first game with more than 16 since Week 5. And while the Cardinals allowed 23.9 points to Colin Kaepernick last week, almost half of those points came from his rushing yards. Bradford doesn't run, and he shouldn't be a starter for fans this week.




vs.
Jay Cutler vs. New York Giants

I made the mistake of listing Cutler as a sleeper last week due to a great matchup in Tampa Bay. That didn't work out too well, did it? While the NFL can be unpredictable, the numbers suggest that Cutler will put up another stinker against the Giants. Their pass defense has surrendered the second-fewest points (13.0 PPG) to quarterbacks.


Busts:
Carson Wentz at Seahawks, Brock Osweiler at Raiders (Mexico City)
 

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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Running backs.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - LeGarrette Blount vs. San Francisco 49ers

Blount scored three touchdowns in last week's loss to Seattle, and he's now found the end zone 12 times on the season. He should add to that total against the 49ers, who have allowed an average of 28.5 fantasy points and a combined 15 touchdowns to runners. Consider Blount a must-start option in what will be a big week for New England.




vs.
Spencer Ware vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ware returned to action last week and went back to his featured role, playing 40 snaps and seeing 16 touches against the Panthers. While he didn't post great numbers, the veteran is still a solid option ahead of a great matchup against Tampa Bay. Their defense has given up an average of more than 20 fantasy points a game to running backs.




vs.
Jonathan Stewart vs. New Orleans Saints

Stewart has now put up a pair of stinkers, but I'd keep him active ahead of this week's matchup against the Saints. Their defense has given up the fourth-most fantasy points (23.6 PPG) to runners, including a combined 14 touchdowns. Stewart has also recorded 15-plus points in three of his last four games versus New Orleans.




vs.
Latavius Murray vs. Houston Texans

Projecting Murray has been downright frustrating this season, as his usage has been somewhat inconsistent in what has been (at times) a committee situation. Still, he's on the board as a No. 2 back against a a Texans defense that has surrendered eight rushing touchdowns and an average of almost 20 fantasy points per game to running backs.




vs.
Isaiah Crowell vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Crowell, listed as a sit 'em last week, put up a mere 5.3 fantasy points in a loss to the Ravens and has now put up two straight stinkers. Still, I'd roll with him this week as a flex starter against a Steelers defense that been awful against opposing running backs. In fact, Pittsburgh has given up the third-most fantasy points (24.4 PPG) in 2016.

Sleepers:
C.J. Prosise vs. Eagles, James Starks at Redskins






Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Mark Ingram vs. Carolina Panthers

Ingram has put up some nice stat lines against the Panthers in his career, but he was held to six points in a meeting earler this season. Carolina has also been brutal on runners, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards (633) and an average of just 13.6 fantasy points a game to the position. Ingram has also lost work to Tim Hightower.




vs.
Todd Gurley vs. Miami Dolphins

I've had Gurley listed as a sit 'em for two straight weeks (14.6 combined points), and I'll continue to list him as such until he shows some signs of life. Next on the schedule is a tough matchup against the Dolphins, who have allowed a mere three rushing touchdowns and an average of 15.9 fantasy points per game to opposing runners.




vs.
Terrance West vs. Dallas Cowboys

West has fallen from grace in fantasy land, as he's failed to exploit two straight great matchups and is now losing more work to rookie Kenneth Dixon. I'd keep him on the bench based on a bad matchup in Dallas, as the Cowboys have surrendered the fourth-fewest rushing yards (648) and an average of 14.6 points to runners this season.




vs.
Chris Ivory vs. Detroit Lions

Ivory's value had risen a bit after his 107-yard performance against the Chiefs in Week 9, but it crashed back down to earth with a four-point stinker in a loss to the Texans. Next up is a date with the Lions, who have allowed one rushing touchdown and the sixth-fewest fantasy points (15.0 PPG) to opposing running backs after 10 weeks.




vs.
Rashad Jennings vs. Chicago Bears

Jennings has lost his featured role in New York, as rookie Paul Perkins has seen more work in recent weeks. Regardless of that trend, the veteran out of Liberty is a tough sell for fantasy fans in a matchup against the Bears. All jokes aside, Chicago has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points (13.9 PPG) to opposing backs.


Busts:
Ryan Mathews at Seahawks, Matt Asiata vs. Cardinals
 

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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Wide receivers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Julian Edelman vs. San Francisco 49ers

Edelman hasn't had more than 9.7 points in a game this season (standard scoring), but he does have a combined 20 catches in his last three contests including seven last week against the Seahawks. I like him to post a nice PPR line against the Niners, who have allowed 15 scores and the third-most points to wideouts (26.7 PPG).




vs.
Michael Thomas vs. Carolina Panthers

Thomas had a statistical stinker last week, but you can forgive a wideout for putting up a bad stat line against the Broncos defense. I'd stick with the rookie this week in Carolina, where he'll face a Panthers defense that's allowed six touchdowns and 24.2 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers over the last four weekends.




vs.
Jamison Crowder vs. Green Bay Packers

Crowder has been one of the more underrated wideouts in fantasy football, scoring 10-plus points in four straight games with three touchdowns. Owners should consider him an attractive No. 2 receiver or flex starter against the Packers, whose defense has surrendered 14 touchdowns and the fourth-most fantasy points (26.4 PPG).




vs.
Donte Moncrief vs. Tennessee Titans

Moncrief might not put up huge yardage totals, but he's a consistent end-zone visitor with a touchdown in three of his four games this season. Next up is a date with the Titans, who have allowed five touchdowns and an average of more than 28 points to wideouts over the last four weeks. Consider Moncrief a potential No. 2 or flex starter.




vs.
Davante Adams vs. Washington Redskins

You might not know it, but Adams ranks 13th in fantasy points among wide receivers so far this season. Not bad for a player whose value had taken a big hit after the 2015 campaign, right? I'd start him against a Redskins defense that has been far less than stellar against wide receivers, even after the addition of cornerback Josh Norman.


Sleepers:
Cameron Meredith at Giants, Tyreek Hill vs. Buccaneers




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - DeAndre Hopkins vs. Oakland Raiders

Fantasy fans have waited for Hopkins to bust out of his recent slide, but it hasn't happened. In fact, he's averaged 4.9 fantasy points over his last four games. So while a matchup against the Raiders is good on paper, Hopkins has failed to exploit bad pass defenses all season. Call it the Osweiler Effect, but Hopkins just can't be trusted.




vs.
Jarvis Landry vs. Los Angeles Rams

Landry recorded a combined 314 yards in his first three games of the season. Since then, he's had 344 yards with no touchdowns in his last six contests. While it's tough to bench him due to his talent and the law of averages, I would beware the veteran versus a Rams defense the eighth-fewest points (22.5 PPG) to opposing wide receivers.




vs.
Jordan Matthews vs. Seattle Seahawks

Matthews has scored double-digit fantasy points once in five road games this season, and he's averaged a modest 8.5 points outside of Philadelphia. While Seattle's defense isn't what it used to be on their home field, this unit has still given up the sixth-fewest points to opposing wideouts (20.8 PPG) to the position overall this season.




vs.
Marvin Jones vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

You might look at this week's matchup against the Jaguars and think it's a favorable one for Jones, but the opposite is true. Their defense has allowed the fifth-fewest yards (1,329) to opposing wide receivers, and only two No. 1 wideouts have scored double digits against them. Couple that with Jones' struggles, and he's a clear-cut sit 'em.




vs.
Ty Montgomery vs. Washington Redskins

Montgomery was a hot waiver-wire add a few weeks ago, but his value has gone cold with the return of James Starks to the Green Bay backfield. In fact, Montgomery's snaps and touches both declined with Starks back in the mix during last week's loss to the Titans. I'd be looking elsewhere, and dropping Montgomery is an option.


Busts:
Terrelle Pryor vs. Steelers, Michael Floyd at Vikings
 

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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Tight ends.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Martellus Bennett vs. San Francisco 49ers

You might not know it, but Bennett is the fourth-ranked tight end in fantasy football based on points scored. If that weren't enough to start him, then consider a matchup in San Francisco against an awful Niners defense. Then consider the fact that Rob Gronkowski is projected to be out this week, and Bennett is a must-start.




vs.
Julius Thomas vs. Detroit Lions

Thomas has developed into a touchdown-dependant tight end this season. Fortunately, he has an upcoming matchup against a Lions defense that has allowed more touchdowns (9) to the position than any team in the NFL. Detroit has also allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends (12.7 PPG), so Thomas is a nice option for fans.




vs.
Jack Doyle vs. Tennessee Titans

Doyle hasn't found the end zone in each of his last two contests, but an upcoming matchup against the Titans makes him worth a look for those fantasy owners in need at the position. Tennessee's defense has struggled to stop tight ends, allowing the fifth-most yards (639) and almost nine fantasy points per game to the opposition in 2016.




vs.
Zach Miller vs. New York Giants

Miller didn't post the sort of numbers owners hoped for in a loss to the Buccaneers, but he's still a streamable option ahead of this week's matchup in New York. The Giants have allowed an average of more than 10 fantasy points a game to tight ends in the last four weeks, and Miller should see more targets with Alshon Jeffery suspended.




vs.
C.J. Fiedorowicz vs. Oakland Raiders

Fiedorowicz, listed as a sit 'em last week, recorded three touches (five targets) and scored a mere 2.6 fantasy points in a win over the Jaguars. Still, he's a worthwhile streamer based on this week's matchup against the Raiders. The Silver & Black have allowed five touchdowns and almost eight fantasy points a game to tight ends.


Sleepers:
Vernon Davis vs. Packers, Ladarius Green at Browns




Sit' Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Kyle Rudolph vs. Arizona Cardinals

Rudolph is a very difficult player to sit, so you might want to temper your expectations based on this week's matchup against the Cardinals. Their defense has surrendered no touchdowns and the fewest fantasy points to tight ends (2.7 PPG), and that includes games against Martellus Bennett, Jimmy Graham and Greg Olsen.




vs.
Jason Witten vs. Baltimore Ravens

Witten has scored a combined 32.9 fantasy points in his last three games, but more than half of that total came in one contest. Next up is a matchup against the Ravens, who have surrendered zero touchdowns and an average of just 3.3 fantasy points per game to tight ends. That's the second-fewest in the NFL against the position.




vs.
Zach Ertz vs. Seattle Seahawks

Ertz has put together two straight solid PPR performances, but can you trust him in the Great Northwest against the Seahawks? While their defense can be had more often then in past seasons, Seattle has still surrendered just one touchdown and an average of fewer than six fantasy points per contest to opposing tight ends this season.




vs.
Cameron Brate vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Brate was listed as a sleeper last week, and he delivered with one touchdown and 14.4 fantasy points in a blowout win over the Bears. Unfortunately, he'll be hard pressed to produce another large stat line based on a matchup in Kansas City. The Chiefs have allowed just one touchdown and fewer than five fantasy points a game to tight ends.




vs.
Dennis Pitta vs. Dallas Cowboys

Outside of PPR leagues, Pitta has been all but unstartable for most of the season. In fact, he hasn't scored more than six fantasy points in a game since Week 2. So while the Cowboys have allowed an average of more than eight fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, Pitta can't be trusted as a viable starter in standard formats.


Busts:
Gary Barnidge vs. Steelers, Vance McDonald vs. Patriots
 

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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Defense.


Start 'Em

vs.
Start of the Week - Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Rams

Jared Goff is making his first NFL start, so fans with the Dolphins defense should be excited about their prospects this week. Opposing defenses had averaged the second-most fantasy points (10.6 PPG) when facing Los Angeles with Case Keenum, and lots of NFL folks don't think Goff is ready to handle the rigors of the NFL.


vs.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals

The Vikings defense has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, but I would keep the faith and start them against the Cardinals. Carson Palmer has turned the ball over a lot more than he did last season, which is part of the reason opposing defenses have averaged the most fantasy points (13.3 PPG) against Arizona since Week 7.


vs.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kansas City has once again become the class of fantasy defenses. Over the last four weeks, no unit has scored more fantasy points than the Chiefs (46). Their streak of solid production should continue against the Buccaneers, who rank in the top 10 in the league in terms of defensive fantasy points scored against them this season.


vs.
New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Patriots rank 20th in fantasy points among defenses, but how can you ignore a favorable matchup against Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers? Over the last four weeks, defenses have averaged close to nine fantasy points per game against this questionable attack. New England's defense should be active in most fantasy leagues.


Sleepers:
Giants defense vs. Bears, Steelers defense at Browns




Sit 'Em

vs.
Sit of the Week - Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Ravens defense, listed as a start 'em last week, put up a solid 14 fantasy points in a win over the Browns. This week, however, Baltimore travels to Dallas to face Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and an explosive Cowboys offense that grinds defenses down and doesn't turn the ball over. Put the Ravens back on the waiver wire.


vs.
Houston Texans vs. Oakland Raiders

The Texans put up an impressive 12 fantasy points in last week's win over the Jaguars, but this defense will be hard pressed to score half of that against Derek Carr and the Raiders. Defenses have done next to zilch against Oakland in terms of production, averaging the second-fewest points (2.0 PPG). Put Houston on the sidelines.


vs.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Buffalo Bills

The Bengals defense hasn't been very good this season, ranking 24th in fantasy points at the position. That isn't likely to change this week against the Bills, who have been a tough matchup for fantasy defenses this season. In fact, the position has put up an average of 4.1 fantasy points per contest against Tyrod Taylor and crew.


vs.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Eagles defense has cooled off in recent weeks, scoring a combined 12 fantasy points over their last three games. This comes after it put up a combined 38 points in the previous two weeks. Philadelphia doesn't figure to reverse this trend in Seattle, as Russell Wilson and the Seahawks have been pretty tough on defenses.


Busts:
Buccaneers defense at Chiefs, Redskins defense vs. Packers
 

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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 11: Kickers.


Start 'Em



vs.
Start of the Week - Adam Vinatieri vs. Tennessee Titans

Vinatieri, owned in a mere 48.9 percent of NFL.com leagues, is a virtual must start ahead of this week's matchup against the Titans. Their defense has surrendered seven field goals of 40-plus yards, and an average of almost nine fantasy points per game to kickers. In what should be a high-scoring affair, Vinatieri should produce good totals.




vs.
Stephen Gostkowski vs. San Francisco 49ers

Let's face it ... Gostkowski has been a major disappointment for fantasy owners this season. But when your kicker is going up against the San Francisco 49ers, well, there's reason for optimism. Over the last four weekends, the Jaguars (13 PPG) and Vikings (11.2) PPG) are the lone teams to allow more fantasy points to kickers (10.7 PPG).




vs.
Dustin Hopkins vs. Green Bay Packers

Hopkins ranks fifth in fantasy points among kickers this season, but he's still owned in fewer than 20 percent of NFL.com leagues. I'd add and start him against the Packers, who have been kind to opposing kickers this season. In fact, Green Bay has surrendered an average of 9.3 points a game to the position. That's fifth-most in the NFL.




vs.
Chandler Catanzaro vs. Minnesota Vikings

Listed as a start 'em last week, Catanzaro had a solid stat line with three field goals and 11 fantasy points in a win over the Niners. I'd roll with him again, this time when he faces the Vikings. Their defense has allowed an average of 11.5 fantasy points a game to kickers over the last four weeks, which ranks second-most in the league.


Sleepers:
Robbie Gould vs. Bears, Matt Prater vs. Jaguars




Sit 'Em



vs.
Sit of the Week - Mason Crosby vs. Washington Redskins

Crosby put up a decent seven fantasy points in last week's loss to the Titans, but he's failed to score more than eight points in each of his last four contests. I'd keep him on the sidelines this week in Washington, as the Redskins have allowed an average of just 4.3 fantasy points a game to opposing kickers over the last four weeks.




vs.
Caleb Sturgis vs. Seattle Seahawks

Sturgis is the second-best kicker in fantasy football based on points (not a misprint), and he's scored 10 or more fantasy points in each of his last three contests. Still, I'd temper expectations when he heads to Seattle to face the Seahawks. Kickers have averaged a very pedestrian 6.7 fantasy points a game against them so far this season.




vs.
Chris Boswell vs. Cleveland Browns

Boswell was a potential sleeper in fantasy leagues heading into this season, but he's failed to meet expectations. With the Steelers going for two points more often, his opportunities to produce good totals have taken a hit. Boswell is also facing the Browns, who surrender a lot of touchdowns and more extra points than field goal chances.




vs.
Phil Dawson vs. New England Patriots

Dawson has been on a nice hot streak over the last two weeks, scoring a combined 21 fantasy points in losses to the Saints and Cardinals. Still, I'd find it difficult to start him based on this week's matchup against the Patriots. Kickers have not put up good numbers versus New England, scoring an average of just 5.9 points a game.


Busts:
Greg Zuerlein vs. Dolphins, Roberto Aguayo at Chiefs
 

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Packers claim RB Christine Michael off waivers.

The Green Bay Packers run game is about to get an awakening. The Packers claimed running back Christine Michael off waivers, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday.
The Seattle Seahawks surprisingly cut Michael on Tuesday after the 26-year-old tailback started seven of nine games this season. There were rumblings after the release that the Seahawks staff couldn't trust Michael to make the proper run reads. His carries waned, earning just five totes over the past two outings after averaging 16.4 carries the previous five games.
Pete Carroll insisted on Wednesday that the team parted ways simply because of the running backs on their roster, including the expected return of Thomas Rawls: "(The release) was really about the guys coming into the opportunity," Carroll said, via SeattlePI.com's Stephen Cohen.
Michael impressed this offseason and displayed huge burst through the hole early in the year, justifying the team's belief that he had awoken from his early career struggles.

The 221-pound back will compete for time alongside James Starks, who returned from a knee injury last week and took the majority of snaps. The pass-heavy Packers are averaging 3.0 rushing yards before contact and only 1.6 rush yards after contact this season.
The Packers have shuffled through running backs with injuries to Starks and Eddie Lacy. Rookie Don Jackson sits as the little-used backup. Receiver Ty Montgomery saw heavy backfield snaps with Starks was out. The Packers also traded for Knile Davis, shared a cup of coffee, then cutting ties.
With Lacy on IR for the foreseeable future, Michael should get a chance to carve out a role in the coming weeks. Seahawks GM John Schneider worked under Packers GM Ted Thompson, so Green Bay should have a deep report on the ins-and-outs of Christine Michael. Additionally, Lacy was taken one pick before Michael at No. 61 in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Michael would face his former team when the Seahawks travel to Green Bay in Week 14 -- if the running back sticks around that long.
 

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