All in Sports – Fantasy Advice and Rankings Week 12
Ah, Thanksgiving week. It's the one day where watching football is expected, and you don't have to worry about getting flack for it. You can just sit back, relax, digest all of the delicious food you (over) consumed, and enjoy the games. The games are more enjoyable because for most of us, our teams never get to play on Thanksgiving. Instead, we get to watch another team go beat up on Detroit, and then the Cowboys pound on an inferior team visiting Dallas. Oh yeah, there is that third game the NFL recently added. Honestly, unless your team is in it, who remembers, cares, or has the NFL Network to even watch it. Even if you do, most of us have moved on to leftovers, desert, clean up, or setting up the Christmas decorations.
All in all, it's a great time of year, and the perfect time to reflect and be thankful. Be thankful that you haven't lost a key player to injury (Ronnie Brown anyone?). Give thanks your sleeper draft pick or waiver grab has carried your team (Mike Sims Walker). Count your blessings that you've had the good fortune of favorable match-ups, or breakout days just when you needed them. Or, if you can't be thankful for any of those things, be happy you don't have to stress about fantasy football anymore because that means your season is likely over already.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, food, football...and of course the advice and rankings for week 12!
Week 11
All In (player(s) who you should put your chips on)
Most everyone’s trade deadline has passed at this point so I’m going to try and focus on some decent pick-ups that might be available.
I’ve been touting Jamaal Charles for the past few weeks, and I don’t think I can push him any harder. Kolby Smith who was supposed to steal some carries and goal-line touches got nicked up, and Charles had a solid day against the Steelers. His schedule is great from here on out and has secured the #1 back status in Kansas City.
Rock Cartright is a must add, but hopefully I don’t have to tell you that. Betts is out for the season (likely), and Portis might not return this year. Simple as that. You have a back who will see the majority of carries so go get him.
For a high risk/high reward grab, you can go for Meachem. But caveat emptor (buyer beware), the Saints spread the ball around a ton, and if not for the TDs last week, Meachem would have done squadoosh.
Need a TE? Go get Kevin Boss. Hopefully you’ve noticed his TD streak and already did. Eli seems to have found his new bailout receiver and redzone connection. Boss is a man’s man. He takes unbelievable punishment and keeps getting up and then returning the favor to the opposing defense.
Lastly, I can’t believe I am about to say this…no really, it’s almost to difficult to type, grab Vince Young. If you’re one of those teams I’ve been mentioning as needed a better start than Campbell, Flacco, etc., Young can definitely help you. He looks like a totally different QB than before (confidence and performance). Plus, he’s that dual-threat QB who can get solid rushing yards and even a rushing TD.
Muck ‘em (players who won’t help us anymore, throw them back)
Here are some RB fill-ins who at once looked great, but can definitely be canned for more potential (unless they are your handcuff of course): Ryan Moats, Tashard Choice, and Ahmad Bradshaw. The first two are seeing little to no action, and Bradshaw’s injury is continuing to get worse.
If you haven’t cut bait on Mark Snachez yet (still hoping for a repeat of early in the year), move on already! James Jones also won’t repeat his previous performance (week 9) because he still has Driver and Jennings in front of him, and they don’t play Tampa Bay again.
For my last group, unless you are in a keeper league, don’t waste your time with Oakland’s backfield. It’s just like Denver’s old situation (never knowing who will be the lead guy), only in this case the lead guy still stinks (production wise). McFadden could be a solid keeper if he gets healthy and can get a full load next year. However, you’re risking your season each week you try to rely on one of the Raider backs.
Week 12
Top Pair (player(s) who guarantee a good week)
Ricky Williams
Wow, and here we were wondering if getting the full workload in Miami could actually hurt Ricky. Um, NOPE! Now he’s facing the worst run defense in the league. I expect multiple touchdowns this week again. Anything less would truly be a disappointment.
Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson
I fully expect them to bounce back with a strong week, at home, and against the divisional opponent Chiefs. The Chargers were running the ball well last week and didn’t need Rivers to throw like normal. This week will be different as Rivers threw for 3 TDs last time they met.
Gut Shot (player who will surprise you with a good week)
Daunte Culpepper
Ha, just kidding – making sure you are paying attention. I would say Charles again as I put him here (even against Pittsburgh) last week…but, hopefully after two weeks, and mentioning him above, you’ve now listened.
Since I’m expecting Matt Hasselbeck to have a great day against St Louis, I think TJ Who’syourdaddy – lock him up – Championship! will look more like the TJ of old. He will definitely have a better week than most of his mundane performances in ’09.
The Turn (player is going to come back around, so buy in now)
Anquan Boldin
He already started his return ascent last week. Many people still aren’t noticing yet and have forgotten about this perennial top 15 WR. Guess who Arizona plays this week? Yup, the Titans who are amongst the worst in stopping the past, even with their rejuvenated play as of late.
The Flop (player who will let you down)
Jay Cutler
Sticking with the QBs as flops theme lately…Jay Cutler is in for a long day I expect. The game is in Minnesota, a notoriously difficult place to play. That alone should give owners pause. It’s a divisional game, his first time against the Vikings, and he has been turnover prone this year. Don’t expect good things this week.
Rankings
Rank - QB - Team (Opp)
1 - Aaron Rodgers - GB ( @Det )
2 - Peyton Manning - IND ( @Hou )
3 - Tom Brady - NE ( @NO )
4 - Drew Brees - NO ( NE )
5 - Philip Rivers - SD ( KC )
6 - Brett Favre - MIN ( Chi )
7 - Matt Schaub - HOU ( Ind )
8 - Kurt Warner - ARI ( @Ten )
9 - Carson Palmer - CIN ( Cle )
10 - Ben Roethlisberger - PIT ( @Bal )
11 - Matt Ryan - ATL ( TB )
12 - Matt Hasselbeck - SEA ( @StL )
13 - Donovan McNabb - PHI ( Was )
14 - Tony Romo - DAL ( Oak )
15 - Eli Manning - NYG ( @Den )
16 - Jay Cutler - CHI ( @Min )
17 - Alex Smith - SF ( Jac )
18 - Joe Flacco - BAL ( Pit )
19 - David Garrard - JAC ( @SF )
20 - Matt Cassel - KC ( @SD )
21 - Vince Young - TEN ( Ari )
22 - Kyle Orton - DEN ( NYG )
23 - Daunte Culpepper - DET ( GB )
24 - Josh Freeman - TB ( @Atl )
25 - Jason Campbell - WAS ( @Phi )
Rank - RB - Team (Opp)
1 - Chris Johnson - TEN ( Ari )
2 - Adrian Peterson - MIN ( Chi )
3 - Maurice Jones-Drew - JAC ( @SF )
4 - Ricky Williams - MIA ( @Buf )
5 - Steven Jackson - STL ( Sea )
6 - DeAngelo Williams - CAR ( @NYJ )
7 - Thomas Jones - NYJ ( Car )
8 - Ryan Grant - GB ( @Det )
9 - Frank Gore - SF ( Jac )
10 - Ray Rice - BAL ( Pit )
11 - Marion Barber - DAL ( Oak )
12 - Jason Snelling - ATL ( TB )
13 - LaDainian Tomlinson - SD ( KC )
14 - Joseph Addai - IND ( @Hou )
15 - Brandon Jacobs - NYG ( @Den )
16 - LeSean McCoy - PHI ( Was )
17 - Justin Forsett - SEA ( @StL )
18 - Rashard Mendenhall - PIT ( @Bal )
19 - Pierre Thomas - NO ( NE )
20 - Matt Forte - CHI ( @Min )
21 - Laurence Maroney - NE ( @NO )
22 - Tim Hightower - ARI ( @Ten )
23 - Bernard Scott - CIN ( Cle )
24 - Jamaal Charles - KC ( @SD )
25 - Knowshon Moreno - DEN ( NYG )
26 - Kevin Smith - DET ( GB )
27 - Rock Cartwright - WAS ( @Phi )
28 - Beanie Wells - ARI ( @Ten )
29 - Steve Slaton - HOU ( Ind )
30 - Cadillac Williams - TB ( @Atl )
31 - Fred Jackson - BUF ( Mia )
32 - Jonathan Stewart - CAR ( @NYJ )
33 - Cedric Benson - CIN ( Cle )
34 - Ahmad Bradshaw - NYG ( @Den )
35 - Mike Bell - NO ( NE )
36 - Felix Jones - DAL ( Oak )
37 - Darren Sproles - SD ( KC )
38 - Jamal Lewis - CLE ( @Cin )
39 - Correll Buckhalter - DEN ( NYG )
40 - Marshawn Lynch - BUF ( Mia )
41 - Justin Fargas - OAK ( @Dal )
42 - Donald Brown - IND ( @Hou )
43 - Kevin Faulk - NE ( @NO )
44 - Chris Brown - HOU ( Ind )
45 - Reggie Bush - NO ( NE )
Rank - WR - Team (Opp)
1 - Larry Fitzgerald - ARI ( @Ten )
2 - Randy Moss - NE ( @NO )
3 - Reggie Wayne - IND ( @Hou )
4 - Andre Johnson - HOU ( Ind )
5 - Vincent Jackson - SD ( KC )
6 - Sidney Rice - MIN ( Chi )
7 - Wes Welker - NE ( @NO )
8 - Chad Ochocinco - CIN ( Cle )
9 - Roddy White - ATL ( TB )
10 - Mike Sims-Walker - JAC ( @SF )
11 - Greg Jennings - GB ( @Det )
12 - Anquan Boldin - ARI ( @Ten )
13 - DeSean Jackson - PHI ( Was )
14 - Marques Colston - NO ( NE )
15 - Donald Driver - GB ( @Det )
16 - Hines Ward - PIT ( @Bal )
17 - Brandon Marshall - DEN ( NYG )
18 - Calvin Johnson - DET ( GB )
19 - Steve Smith - NYG ( @Den )
20 - Nate Burleson - SEA ( @StL )
21 - T.J. Houshmandzadeh - SEA ( @StL )
22 - Miles Austin - DAL ( Oak )
23 - Steve Smith - CAR ( @NYJ )
24 - Derrick Mason - BAL ( Pit )
25 - Santonio Holmes - PIT ( @Bal )
26 - Michael Crabtree - SF ( Jac )
27 - Chris Chambers - KC ( @SD )
28 - Terrell Owens - BUF ( Mia )
29 - Pierre Garcon - IND ( @Hou )
30 - Percy Harvin - MIN ( Chi )
31 - Jerricho Cotchery - NYJ ( Car )
32 - Devin Hester - CHI ( @Min )
33 - Lee Evans - BUF ( Mia )
34 - Mario Manningham - NYG ( @Den )
35 - Steve Breaston - ARI ( @Ten )
36 - Robert Meachem - NO ( NE )
37 - Jeremy Maclin - PHI ( Was )
38 - Donnie Avery - STL ( Sea )
39 - Braylon Edwards - NYJ ( Car )
40 - Laveranues Coles - CIN ( Cle )
41 - Santana Moss - WAS ( @Phi )
42 - Roy Williams - DAL ( Oak )
43 - Kevin Walter - HOU ( Ind )
44 - Hakeem Nicks - NYG ( @Den )
45 - Antonio Bryant - TB ( @Atl )
46 - Nate Washington - TEN ( Ari )
47 - Bernard Berrian - MIN ( Chi )
48 - Brandon Gibson - STL ( Sea )
49 - Davone Bess - MIA ( @Buf )
50 - Mohamed Massaquoi - CLE ( @Cin )
Rank - TE - Team (Opp)
1 - Dallas Clark - IND ( @Hou )
2 - Vernon Davis - SF ( Jac )
3 - Antonio Gates - SD ( KC )
4 - Tony Gonzalez - ATL ( TB )
5 - Kellen Winslow - TB ( @Atl )
6 - Greg Olsen - CHI ( @Min )
7 - Visanthe Shiancoe - MIN ( Chi )
8 - Brent Celek - PHI ( Was )
9 - Jermichael Finley - GB ( @Det )
10 - Heath Miller - PIT ( @Bal )
11 - Jason Witten - DAL ( Oak )
12 - Kevin Boss - NYG ( @Den )
13 - Jeremy Shockey - NO ( NE )
14 - Zach Miller - OAK ( @Dal )
15 - Dustin Keller - NYJ ( Car )
16 - Brandon Pettigrew - DET ( GB )
17 - John Carlson - SEA ( @StL )
18 - Fred Davis - WAS ( @Phi )
19 - Tony Scheffler - DEN ( NYG )
20 - Marcedes Lewis - JAC ( @SF )
21 - Todd Heap - BAL ( Pit )
22 - Bo Scaife - TEN ( Ari )
23 - Benjamin Watson - NE ( @NO )
24 - David Thomas - NO ( NE )
25 - Randy McMichael - STL ( Sea )
Rank - Kicker - Team (Opp)
1 - Ryan Longwell - MIN ( Sea )
2 - David Akers - PHI ( @Chi )
3 - Stephen Gostkowski - NE ( NYJ )
4 - John Carney - NO ( @TB )
5 - Nate Kaeding - SD ( @Den )
6 - Mason Crosby - GB ( SF )
7 - Lawrence Tynes - NYG ( Atl )
8 - Rob Bironas - TEN ( @Hou )
9 - Matt Stover - IND ( @Bal )
10 - Nick Folk - DAL ( Was )
11 - Matt Prater - DEN ( SD )
12 - Neil Rackers - ARI ( @StL )
13 - Dan Carpenter - MIA ( @Car )
14 - Kris Brown - HOU ( Ten )
15 - Robbie Gould - CHI ( Phi )
16 - Olindo Mare - SEA ( @Min )
17 - Jason Hanson - DET ( Cle )
18 - Jeff Reed - PIT ( @KC )
19 - Jason Elam - ATL ( @NYG )
20 - Jay Feely - NYJ ( @NE )
Rank - Def (Opp)
1 - Minnesota Vikings ( Chi )
2 - Cincinnati Bengals ( Cle )
3 - Philadelphia Eagles ( Was )
4 - Dallas Cowboys ( Oak )
5 - Green Bay Packers ( @Det )
6 - San Diego Chargers ( KC )
7 - Pittsburgh Steelers ( @Bal )
8 - New York Giants ( @Den )
9 - Baltimore Ravens ( Pit )
10 - Miami Dolphins ( @Buf )
11 - Seattle Seahawks ( @StL )
12 - Carolina Panthers ( @NYJ )
13 - Atlanta Falcons ( TB )
14 - San Francisco 49ers ( Jac )
15 - Indianapolis Colts ( @Hou )
16 - New Orleans Saints ( NE )
17 - New England Patriots ( @NO )
18 - New York Jets ( Car )
19 - Arizona Cardinals ( @Ten )
20 - Tennessee Titans ( Ari )
21 - Jacksonville Jaguars ( @SF )
22 - Washington Redskins ( @Phi )
23 - Denver Broncos ( NYG )
24 - Oakland Raiders ( @Dal )
