Week 12 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good Week 11? I did, somewhat. Now as we get close to playoff time, wins are everything, and you need contributions from everybody. Before you chow down on your turkey and the fixings, read up fast, some of my best may be from Thursday.

Who to Start:

QB Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) vs. BUF: Buffalo struggles to defend the pass, as evident in the 1^st half from last week, and Big Ben continues to get better and better. With Buffalo allowing near 16 fantasy points a game to opposing QB’s, get your Big Ben fix this week.

RB Brandon Jacobs (NYG) vs. JAX: Brandon Jacobs looks to get the bulk of the carries on Sunday, and the Jags have allowed 11 rushing TD’s this year, 3^rd most in the league. They stopped both Arian Foster and Peyton Hills, but the going will get tougher this week.

WR Nate Burleson (DET) vs. NE THU: With the Lions throwing the most passes in the league, and New England’s pass D continuing to struggle, and Burleson becoming a major part of the Lions passing attack, go for him on Thursday.

WR Santonio Holmes (NYJ) vs. CIN THU: After what the Bengals allowed to Steve Johnson last Sunday, Santonio has to be licking his chops. The hero from the past 2 weeks should see major success against the same poor Bengals D.

TE Jacob Tamme (IND) vs. SD: Tamme has become a legit number 1 tight end due to Dallas Clark’s injury, and despite San Diego’s D being one of the better statistically in the league, they do give up fantasy points to Tight Ends.

DEF Cleveland vs. CAR: Last week the Browns forced 6 turnovers, and had 3 sacks. They’re trending up when facing Carolina and Brian St. Pierre.

Who to Sit:

QB Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. GB: Ryan has been one of the most consistent fantasy QB’s all season, but he could be in for a speed bump against the Packers D, which despite injuries, has allowed 9 passing TD’s all season.

RB Fred Jackson (BUF) vs. PIT: A good spot starter for many owners in the past 2 weeks, but remember, Buffalo faced Cincinnati and Detroit, 2 horrible run defenses. Against Pittsburgh, he should struggle, as the Steelers D is and always had been great against the run.

WR Brandon Marshall (MIA) vs. OAK: I feel sorry for him. Due to a gimpy hamstring, plus Tyler Thigpen starting, and not to mention maybe facing Nnamdi Asomugha, avoid him if possible.

WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI) vs. CHI: The Bears D has been one of the most underrated units in all of football and should give Mike Vick some headaches. It should also be said that the Bears have allowed only 5 TD’s to wideouts this year, limiting what Maclin could potentially do.

TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX) vs. NYG: Here’s your high risk, high reward guy for fantasy all year. He’s either done big things, or nothing at all. This week looks to pose some problems, as the Giants defend the Tight End better than almost anyone in the NFL.

DEF Baltimore vs. TB: Sit the Ravens D? You must be crazy right? No, I’m not. The Bucs are no offensive slouch and despite what they’ve done against the 3 teams with better than .500 records this year, the Ravens D isn’t what it used to be.

3 Super Sleepers for Week 12:

QB Sam Bradford (STL) vs. DEN: Maybe you’re desperate and have no better option, but Denver’s pass D has been horrendous this year. I know the Rams haven’t played well on the road, but this matchup is too tasty to deny.

RB Mike Tolbert (SD) vs. IND: If Ryan Mathews is out this Sunday, watch out for Tolbert. The Colts run D is terrible, and Tolbert looks to be a great play if you need one.

WR Mario Manningham (NYG) vs. JAX: The Jags pass D is pretty bad, and with both of the Giants top 2 WR’s out due to injury, Manningham will see the bulk of the receptions.

Good luck in Week 12, and have a very happy Thanksgiving!