Fantasy Football Week 12: Finish Strong

By Tim Bearden in News on Nov 27, 2011 4:00PM

The playoffs are only a few short weeks away. You're out of bye weeks and now, with any luck, have a full roster to work with again. But that's also assuming you're not plagued with injuries.

CBSSports.com is reporting that Adrian Peterson is out against the Falcons this week. He suffered a left ankle sprain in last week's game against the Raiders. Michael Vick also isn't starting again this week, Vince Young is expected to start due to Vick's broken ribs.

There's no good news on Darren McFadden, either. The Sporting News is reporting that he will miss at least two more games, which is good news for Michael Bush owners going into the playoffs.

We do have a few less players to worry about this Sunday too. Three games were played on Thanksgiving, which narrowed options on who to start this week, if you haven't set your lineup yet.

It's time to see who's ripe and who's rotten. We have leftovers from Thursday to take care of, so let's get started.

Starts:

1. Andy Dalton (QB) - The Bengals are trying to show the league they are actually a playoff worthy team and are currently one game ahead of Denver in the wild card race. Dalton has been throwing pretty well this season, but Cleveland only allows about 166 yards per game to the passing offense. The Bengals also know they can't afford another conference or division loss with the Bronco's nipping at their heels. Dalton should be at the top of his game Sunday playing like its the last game of the season.

2. Vince Young (QB) - Young helped lead the Eagles to beat their division rivals the Giants last week. At 4-6 in a conference with the Packers and at least 3 games back in the wild card race, it's hard to say he'll save the season. But he's as good of a start as any.

3. A.J. Green (WR) - Green has been a big target for Dalton this season and has really molded into the number one receiver position for the Bengals. He missed last week with a knee injury, but is probable to play in this weeks game. If he's active, play him.

4. Tim Tebow (QB) - I want to go on record again saying I don't like him at quarterback. He's really not built for a passing offense, but has seemed to do well in Denver's system. He runs the ball more than he throws it, which tells me he may be a better running back, but it's hard to deny he's been putting up good fantasy numbers and San Diego has been a bit of a disappointment.

5. Jabar Gaffney (WR) - Gaffney had a great week last week with 115 yards receiving and one touchdown. He hasn't been like this all season, but those are good numbers to put up against Dallas. The Redskins play Seattle this week, who have just kind of fizzled out of consciousness without a second thought. If he keeps staying a prime target, he's poised to do well.

6. DeAngelo Williams (RB) - Let's be honest, he hasn't had a good season. With Cam Newton in the pocket, running backs have been a second thought in Carolina's offensive strategy. But they're playing the Colts this week, who are just simply awful. The Panthers are probably going to exploit all areas of weakness, including rushing this week.

7. Harry Douglas (WR) - Even though Julio Jones is probable for this week's game, that doesn't mean he'll be very productive coming off his injury. Douglas should see a similar amount of targets as he did in Jones' absence.

8. Earl Bennett (WR) - Since he returned in Week 9, he has been one of Jay Cutler's favorite targets. Maybe it's because he's one of the few Bears receivers who can actually catch and hold on to a football. With the Bears playing Oakland this week, who are offensively explosive and defensively "eh", he should be a prime target for Cutler's backup, Caleb Hanie.

9. Brandon Lloyd (WR) - There was a concern in Week 7 that Lloyd may just not be good enough this season and people were wondering whether to start him. But since then he's been a good receiver on a bad team. He's still going to do well for you, even if his team isn't.

10. Peyton Hillis (RB) - Good news Browns fans, Hillis feels "100 percent" again. He's officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game, but all indicators are pointing he should play. Not sure how limited he will be with that hamstring, but, in my opinion, he's had plenty of rest. They're going to need the extra help against the Bengals, so I'd start him.

Sits:

1. Philip Rivers (QB) - All I can say is, he's a walking contradiction. He can put up good fantasy numbers but he's thrown more interceptions than any other quarterback this season. Most of the times he can make up for it, but Denver is hungry for a wild card spot with new life breathed into them under Tebow. All I can say for sure is Rivers could be a crap shoot this week.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB) - Going against the Jets passing defense isn't easy and Darrelle Revis doesn't help the situation. Fitzpatrick has kind of had his time in the limelight and is now, well he just is. I don't think he's going to beat this Jets defense.

3. Montario Hardesty (RB) - He's been inconsistent, on a bad team and is listed as questionable this week. It also certainly doesn't help that Hillis feels good enough to start. Not your best option for Week 12.

4. Arrelious Benn (QB) - He's had a good week or two, but he probably won't against the Titans this week. Jason Freeman has other, more seasoned targets to look at. He may be good for a few points, but don't expect a performance that will save your team in a pinch.

5. Jeremy Shockey (TE) - Greg Olsen has been the top tight end for Carolina this season and although Shockey is listed as probable, he may not be able to see enough targets to make him viable.

6. Roy Helu (RB) - I don't understand why anyone would want to mess with a Mike Shanahan running back this season. Helu and Torain have been interchangeable all season and it can be really tough to tell who he will go with on any given week.

7. Reggie Wayne (WR) - Indianapolis has been horrible this season and Wayne has been a major disappointment for as good of a receiver as he is. Carolina isn't much to shout about on defense, but a Junior Football League defense could get the best of the Colts.

8. Jackie Battle (RB) - The Chiefs are playing the Steelers this week, so I'm a little leery of Battle's value this week. He's been a decent running back, but the Steelers probably have his number this week. It's best to start someone else.

9. Doug Baldwin (WR) - His fantasy value has fluctuated this season with Sidney Rice being a top target and this week probably isn't any different against the Redskins. You probably have better options for a number two receiver or flex.

10. Chicago Bears (D/ST) - They may do well against Carson Palmer's passing game, but it's going to be hard to keep Michael Bush from being productive this week. I expect them to give up a lot of yards on the ground against Oakland.

Those are your starts and sits for Week 12. Keep in mind it's almost playoff time so keep watching the waiver wire for players non-playoff contenders may start dropping. Check back here next week to see who can help you get there!

Also follow me on Twitter (@tdbearden) on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. CST. I'll keep you updated and will be available for your last minute roster questions. Also follow hashtag #CFF.