2011 Week 12 Fantasy Advice

Did you have a good Week 12? In some leagues, the playoffs are right around the corner, and therefore all the points you need to win may have to come from new guys based on the many injuries around the league. That's why you look here before you engorge yourself on turkey, right?

Who to Start:

QB Matt Ryan (ATL) vs. MIN: Matt Ryan has been scorching hot of late, especially since the Falcons came off their bye week. Minnesota has been terrible defending the pass of late, so Ryan could have another big game on Sunday for the Falcons.

RB Beanie Wells (ARZ) vs. STL: Fantasy running backs have been as a group struggling of late, and good ones have been tougher to come by. Wells has a good matchup against the Rams, who are a team that doesn't defend the run very well, so Beanie could have a big game.

WR Steve Smith (CAR) vs. IND: The Colts are about as bad as it gets, and they have no defense. Advantage: Cam Newton and the Panthers. Steve Smith will benefit.

WR DeSean Jackson (PHI) vs. NE: It doesn't really matter who starts at QB for the Eagles, because Jackson should get targets either way. The Patriots have had well documented problems defending the pass, so Jackson could have another big week.

TE Owen Daniels (HOU) vs. JAX: Not only do the Jaguars have struggles defending the Tight End, Matt Leinart will surely need a safety blanket on Sunday, with the Jaguars overall having a decent pass defense. Daniels should have a big game.

DEF Pittsburgh vs. KC: It doesn't matter who starts for the Chiefs, they will not have any success against a rested Steelers defense. Tyler Palko looked awful against a bad Pats D, so that won't bode well when he plays against a good Steelers D.

Who to Sit:

QB Joe Flacco (BAL) vs. SF THU: The 49ers defense has been a major success story this season, and with the tendency of Flacco to have off and on weeks, this matchup does not look good for the Ravens signal caller.

RB Willis McGahee (DEN) vs. SD: The Chargers have been pretty stout against the run, and McGahee has been struggling of late. Tebow time will take over, and that may not include running with McGahee.

WR Reggie Wayne (IND) vs. CAR: Don't you feel a little sorry for him? I do, and neither of the Colts QB's can get the ball to him down the field, and that likely will continue, despite the Colts playing the bad Carolina defense.

WR Jerome Simpson (CIN) vs. CLE: He had a big week last week, but I don't think that will happen against a very good secondary that the Browns have, led by Joe Haden. He probably will struggle this week.

TE Dustin Keller (NYJ) vs. BUF: His production has taken a sharp nosedive, as he hasn't scored a TD since Week 2 against Jacksonville. He's been nearly invisible, so he is a major risk to start this Sunday against Buffalo.

DEF New York Giants vs. NO MON: Even though the Giants are a good fantasy D unit, they will have some serious troubles against the Saints offense, which is well rested, and can absolutely torch a defense, especially one like the Giants have with all of the injuries.

3 Super Sleepers:

QB Tim Tebow (DEN) vs. SD: It really doesn't matter if his numbers aren't gaudy, he just gets big fantasy points in every game. Against a Chargers defense that has been struggling big time, Tebow may have big numbers once again.

RB DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart (CAR) vs. IND: Despite the fact that they both have not had amazing seasons, they will rebound this week against the horrendous Colts run defense. Anyone else smelling blowout?

DEF Seattle vs. WSH: They aren't a good unit overall, but when they play Washington, they may have a good week. Teams playing the Redskins usually have good defensive games, and everyone knows why that's true.

Buyer Beware:

QB Carson Palmer (OAK) vs. CHI: Even though he has been producing big numbers since he took over the starting job, he may have some troubles this week against the Bears defense which has been surging of late. Watch out for this matchup.

Good Luck in Week 12, and have a happy Thanksgiving!