Week 12 Fantasy Football Rankings: Looking Ahead to the Best Matchups

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Five interceptions.

That's right. Matt Ryan has been a fantasy football stud all season, but this past week he one of the biggest duds. Don't worry fantasy football owners, this is not going to happen to Ryan this week.

With three Thanksgiving games set for this week, here are the best fantasy football matchups for Week 12.

Quarterbacks

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Tony Romo vs. Washington Redskins

In his last three games, Romo has been the definition of solid. He has thrown for a combined 843 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Going up against the Redskins defense on Thanksgiving, that is allowing over 289 passing yards per game, expect Romo to throw for 300 yards and two touchdowns.

Matt Ryan vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coming off a five-interception performance, Ryan should put up significantly better numbers this week against the Bucs. The Bucs have the worst pass defense in the league, unlike the Arizona Cardinals who have the fifth-ranked pass defense.

This is going to be a statement game for Ryan and I expect him to come out looking to shred the Bucs weak secondary. Four touchdown passes is a definite possibility.

Running Backs

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Chris Johnson vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

If you own Arian Foster in any of your fantasy football leagues, you are probably still in shock from the Jaguars' defensive performance this weekend. Not only did they end Foster's touchdown scoring streak this season at nine games, but they also held him to only 77 rushing yards on 28 carries.

Despite this gritty performance from the Jaguars' defense, fantasy football owners should not fear starting Johnson this weekend at the Titans face off against the Jags D. Johnson has been on an absolute tear the last four weeks, scoring four touchdowns while running for 561 yards. Expect this hot streak to continue for him.

 

Stevan Ridley vs. New York Jets

The Jets' run defense has been atrocious this year, allowing over 141 rushing yards per game. Unfortunately Jets fans, it is not going to get any better this week.

Ridley has been terrific this year and has scored a touchdown in his last three games. Expect Ridley to find the end zone again in this AFC East rivalry matchup on Thanksgiving.

Wide Receivers

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Justin Blackmon vs. Tennessee Titans

After being nearly non-existant for the entire season, Blackmon finally showed NFL fans why he was a top-10 draft pick this past year. He was nearly unstoppable, catching seven passes for 236 yards and one touchdown.

With Chad Henne set to start again, he is going to continue to target Blackmon, who should have no trouble getting open against the Titans' 26th-ranked pass defense.

Michael Crabtree vs. New Orleans Saints

In his last two games with Alex Smith as the starting quarterback, Crabtree has caught 10 passes for 142 yards and three touchdowns.

Assuming Smith returns from his concussion for Week 12, Crabtree will continue this touchdown streak. The Saints defense is one of the worst in NFL history, allowing over 460 yards of offense per game.

Even if Smith is not able to go, Crabtree is still worth starting because of how horrible the Saints secondary has been playing this season.

Tight Ends

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Aaron Hernandez vs. New York Jets

Fantasy football owners that have Hernandez on their roster could not be happier that he is returning this week. With Rob Gronkowski out because of an injury, Hernandez is going to one of Tom Brady's top receiving targets.

After being injured for most of the season, Hernandez is expected to return this week and his presence will be felt. I am willing to bet Hernandez puts up over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Jermaine Gresham vs. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders defense has been atrocious the last three weeks, allowing 135 points. In those three games, two out of the three opposing teams' tight end's have scored.

Gresham has been more involved in the Cincinnati Bengals offense recently. In his last three games, he has caught 15 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. With the Raiders defense allowing so many points, Gresham should have no problem putting up decent fantasy numbers this weekend.