Week 11 is approaching and it’s time to start posturing your fantasy team for its postseason run.

That means no more sticking guys in your lineup who have great potential but who have yet to produce. If they haven’t produced after 10 weeks, they’re not likely to do so the rest of the way.

It’s also time to look ahead for defenses and kickers that might have good matchups in weeks 14, 15 and 16. It’s no longer necessary to carry six wide receivers if you only get to start three. A second defense or kicker could better serve your squad than a fifth or six wideout who will never make your starting lineup.

The trading deadline is fast approaching in most leagues so if you’ve been contemplating a deal, now is the time to pull the trigger. There are probably some teams in your league who are on the playoff bubble and may be ripe for a trade. You should be the owner that pulls it off.

Injury update: It was a bad week for running backs. Atlanta’s Michael Turner played well before leaving the game with an ankle injury and his status for Week 11 is unknown. Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook suffered his second concussion of the season and will probably have to miss a decent share of time before returning.

Cincinnati’s Cedric Benson sustained a hip flexor but team officials are saying he’ll be ready for Week 11. Those usually take longer than one week to heal so keep your eye on his status. Miami’s Ronnie Brown also suffered an ankle injury and his status for next week is uncertain.

Seattle’s Julius Jones was hospitalized with bleeding in his lung and did not return to the West coast with his team. It’s doubtful he will play in Week 11. Joseph Addai of the Indianapolis Colts sustained some damaged fingers Sunday night but was able to return to the game. He should be good to go next week.

Denver quarterback Kyle Orton left his team’s game in the first half with an ankle issue. He is considered day-to-day.

Players to jettison: If your still holding on to Broncos’ running back Correll Buckhalter it’s time to let him go. He had some value early in the season but rookie Knowshon Moreno has clearly taken over the No. 1 spot in the backfield, making Buckhalter expendable.

It’s also time to give up on Minnesota wideout Bernard Berrian. Sidney Rice has become Brett Favre’s favorite target and it seems Visanthe Shiancoe and Percy Harvin are also getting looks before Berrian. He may flash once or twice but is too inconsistent to keep in your lineup.

The production that Oakland tight end Zach Miller showed in Week 6 (6 catches, 139 yards, 1 TD) has long since disappeared. He has just eight receptions for 76 yards in his last three outings.

Baltimore running back Willis McGahee was a touchdown machine early in the season but has been invisible of late. Ray Rice has become the Ravens featured back and McGahee is no longer getting all the goal-line carries.

Players to pick-up: Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles had his first 100-yard rushing game Sunday and is primed to be the Chiefs’ main back the rest of the season. Seattle’s Justin Forsett is probably the No. 1 guy in Seattle now that Jones is out with his lung injury. Forsett carried 17 times for 123 yards and a touchdown last week and also had five receptions for 26 yards.

Running back Jason Snelling could be No. 1 in Atlanta by default. Turner has his ankle injury and regular back-up Jerious Norwood is still out with a bad hip. Snelling had 18 rushes for 61 yards and a score Sunday.

Cincinnati kicker Shayne Graham had a big day against Pittsburgh, connecting on four of his five field-goal attempts. The Bengals play three soft defenses the next three weeks — Cleveland, Oakland and Detroit — so there should be ample opportunity for Graham to keep scoring.

And speaking of Cincinnati, now would be a great time to pick up the Bengals’ defense if it’s still out there. The aforementioned three-week schedule is very favorable for a Cincinnati D that has played pretty good football in 2009.



Jim Rueda is the Free Press sports editor. To contact him, call 344-6381 or e-mail him at jrueda@mankatofreepress.com.